The Advance story reflects a complex and meaningful journey to help youth from disadvantaged circumstances to access new or better employment. In Jamaica, this journey included three higher education institutions, including a community college council with multiple member colleges; six associate degree programs, four of them new; and over 200 scholarships distributed to disadvantaged youth. There have been a myriad of achievements and lessons learned among a network of higher education partners; all of whom are poised to continue to build on the work done for Jamaican youth.
Nearly seven years later, the lessons prevail, the achievements can be celebrated, and future workforce development programs can build on the Advance experience.
The Jamaica team produced a magazine, The Advance Experience, to highlight the achievements and impact of the Program in Jamaica.