Business Roundtable released a case study detailing the early outcomes of the collaboration between Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) and the Alamo Colleges District (Alamo) to address local workforce needs and expand career opportunities in San Antonio, Texas. The pilot program has resulted in the successful hiring of dozens of graduates from Alamo’s two-year degree program — providing opportunities for qualified and motivated community college graduates at a global organization. 

The EY US and Alamo Colleges District Hiring Pilot is part of the Roundtable’s Workforce Partnership Initiative (WPI), an effort that involves CEOs partnering with colleges and universities in targeted regions to close critical skills gaps and boost opportunity and growth. The case study examines how EY US has helped tackle skills development challenges and generate economic mobility, while meeting its early career hiring needs.

Key findings from the case study include:

• EY US successfully hired 91 Alamo graduates because of the initiative.
• Alamo team members found that the pilot program helped illustrate the value of an associate degree to the broader San Antonio labor market. This, in turn, helped shift the focus for Texas community colleges toward post-degree employment outcomes for their students.

Key recommendations for businesses include:

• Think outside the box to pursue new talent pools: The EY US pilot program re-evaluated the qualifications for existing roles and created opportunities for community college graduates.
• Educate recruiters about the community college system: Alamo benefited from informing corporate recruiters about the community college ecosystem, which resulted in recruiters championing community college graduates.