May 15, 2025

ATI Foundation Invests in Charleston Workforce Development

News Summary

The ATI Foundation has announced a major investment in the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce’s People First program. This initiative aims to close opportunity gaps by enhancing workforce skills and inclusivity in the Lowcountry region. By aligning training with local industry needs, the project seeks to empower job seekers and ensure economic growth. The initiative reflects a commitment to providing equitable opportunities to individuals from diverse backgrounds, addressing local workforce readiness, and fostering long-term economic stability.

Charleston, South Carolina – The ATI Foundation has unveiled a significant investment aimed at closing opportunity gaps in the Lowcountry region. This initiative, which focuses on workforce development, will back the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce’s People First program. The primary objective is to enhance the regional workforce’s skills and inclusivity, ensuring that all individuals have access to resources necessary for career success.

The initiative is designed to create a data-driven and coordinated workforce system in Charleston. By aligning workforce skills and career preparation with the specific needs of the region’s critical industries, the project aims to support both job seekers and local employers effectively. In doing so, it seeks to foster an environment where economic growth and workforce development go hand in hand.

Dolly Pelto, executive director of the ATI Foundation, underscored the initiative’s potential to improve access and resources for all students in the Charleston area. The goal is to provide equitable opportunities, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to succeed in a competitive job market. This investment is expected to play a key role in bridging the gap between education and employment.

Additionally, Mica Dolan, who serves as president and COO of ATI and is the chair of the ATI Foundation, expressed the foundation’s commitment to addressing local challenges through this collaborative effort. The partnership is a strategic response to the ongoing demand for a skilled workforce in Charleston, ensuring that local businesses can thrive thanks to well-prepared employees.

The People First program is rooted in a broader commitment to community growth and long-term economic stability. It reflects the need for a more inclusive workforce, where individuals from all walks of life can contribute to and benefit from the region’s economic prosperity. By investing in such initiatives, the ATI Foundation aims to uplift the local community through education, youth programs, and essential workforce tools.

This collaborative effort responds to the growing concern over workforce readiness in Charleston and throughout the wider region. Addressing the skill gaps that exist in various sectors, the initiative will provide targeted training and resources to better prepare the local workforce for the demands of employers. The focus will remain on enhancing skillsets in high-demand areas while encouraging participation from underrepresented groups.

The ATI Foundation’s commitment to workforce development is part of a larger vision for the Charleston area. Local organizations and businesses have increasingly recognized the importance of building a skilled talent pipeline that meets the evolving needs of industry. This partnership arrives at a crucial moment when the region’s economy is becoming more complex and competitive.

In summary, the ATI Foundation’s investment in the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce’s People First initiative marks a pivotal step toward creating a more inclusive and capable workforce in the Lowcountry. By aligning educational resources with industry needs, this initiative aims to empower individuals and ensure that local businesses have access to the qualified talent necessary for success. The focus on data-driven approaches and community engagement underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable economic growth in the region.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.