MSEJ December 2016 | Page 17

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HOT JOBS

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The Heinz Endowments,

Fighting Veteran Underemployment in Southwestern Pennsylvania

While the unemployment rate for post-9/11 Veterans dropped to a record low in 2015, underemployment continues to be a problem for Veterans of all eras. The Heinz Endowments commissioned a study by the Center for a New American Security in 2015, and their research found that underemployment is a major factor in Pittsburgh region Veterans' lives. Armed with information from this study, The Heinz Endowments committed itself to supporting initiatives that combat Veteran underemployment and unemployment in the Pittsburgh community.

As a result of this commitment, The Heinz Endowments awarded Corporate America Supports You a $100,000 grant in 2016.

This grant has enabled CASY to establish resources in Southwestern Pennsylvania, including Allegheny, Butler, and Westmoreland counties. As a direct result of The Heinz Endowments, CASY has been

able to place post-9/11 Veterans in family-sustaining positions commensurate with their experience, and to increase the number of employers hiring Veterans in the region.

To date, CASY has put a region-specific Employment Specialist in Pittsburgh, PA to provide employment support to local Veterans. Additionally, CASY & IBM

brought their i2 Analyst’s Notebook Training to PNC Headquarters in November 2016.

CASY looks forward to growing our resources for Veterans in Southwestern Pennsylvania in 2017, and continuing to combat underemployment in the region.