PHA partners with local organizations through our Community Partners Program to provide residents with free educational and training opportunities.

The Community Partners Program is open to PHA residents only.

For more information or to register for one of the courses, please call 215-684-0393 or contact your Economic Self-Sufficiency Coordinator.

• Adult Basic Education and GED
  The Center for Literacy's adult education program focuses on teaching participants general skills, which are common to almost all workplaces. Students will gain knowledge in math, reading and writing while learning to take tests effectively. Students will also be prepared to complete the GED test (or equivalent).
• Case Management and Counseling
  Management Environmental Technologies, Inc. (MET) assists participants with creating Individual Development Plans, helps them to prioritize issues and gain confidence in pursuing goals and positive income-producing opportunities. Participants receive case management, counseling, coaching and mentoring toward their selected objectives. Important services include the improvement of life skills, education enhancement/GED prep, computer training, and workforce-specific skills building. MET also works with other Community Partners to maximize positive, successful and long-term sustainable client outcomes.
• Automotive and Driving Training
  For those interested in getting involved in the automotive business, working at a repair shop or dealership, this is a great program from the Community College of Philadelphia. The course covers a variety of subjects associated with cars. Graduates will receive multiple certifications from Ford pertaining to safety, inspection of vehicles, and electrical expertise.
• Human Services
  This JEVS-Orleans Technical Institute program teaches participants who are interested in working with at-risk populations counseling, management and communications skills. In addition to leading to a state certification in human services, the course counts for college credit. The Human Services program also offers internships and helps participants to find a job in this field.
• Hospitality Industry
  Participants will learn how to service customers in the food and lodging industry through this hospitality program from Philadelphia OIC. Courses include Front Office, Culinary Arts, and Housekeeping.
• Certified Nursing Assistant
  CNA students at the Professional Health Institute learn ethics in healthcare, communication skills, infection control, basic nursing skills, restorative care, resident's rights, social service and mental health issues. Students receive hands-on training and practice. Graduates obtain entry-level employment in a variety of healthcare settings.
• Medical Billing
  The Professional Health Institute's Medical Billing Program teaches students how to prepare legally correct medical forms and letters, code professional services properly, select diagnostic code numbers, locate errors on insurance claim forms, collection procedures, and computer skills (Medisoft, Excel and MS Word.)
• Pharmacy Technician
  The Professional Health Institute trains participants to become Pharmacist's Assistants and help them gain state certification. Courses cover drug interactions, side effects, disease stages, appropriate treatment, identification of over 200 brand-name and generic drugs and their uses, basic pharmacy operations, patient service and computer skills (Medisoft, Excel and MS Word). This program supports 120 participants per year maximum.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A)
  The CDL program from Smith & Solomon teaches students the skills required to earn their Commercial Driver's License and operate big rigs. After receiving a Class A driver's license, graduates will then be adequately certified to drive tractor-trailers (up to 26,001 lbs). Smith & Solomon works with over 300 employers to help its graduates find jobs.
• Forklift Certification
  Smith & Solomon's Basic Forklift Operator Training program allows students with or without prior forklift experience to achieve the necessary skills to pass the OSHA certification course. After certification, graduates will be capable of driving a motorized hand truck, sit down lift truck, and narrow aisle lift trucks.
• Job Searching and Professional Development
  Educational Data Systems, Inc. (EDSI) is dedicated to matching unemployed and underemployed PHA residents to appropriate opportunities where they can retain employment and advance in the workforce, ultimately becoming self-sufficient.  EDSI provides education, training, and employment services to connect participants with a career that matches their skills. 
• Entrepreneurship Training
  This program from the Enterprise Center offers classes, individualized coaching and a professional and nurturing environment so students gain valuable, marketable skills and the resources to start a business.  By the end of the program, students will be prepared to begin their own business venture.