The Career Transition Project within the Office of Human Resources (OHR) is the recipient of the 2018 University Prize for Strategic, Inclusive, and Diverse Excellence (UPSIDE) Award. OHR is thrilled to accept this award and to congratulate recruiter Tom Armstrong for his exceptional and dedicated effort with this program and the individuals with which he works every day.
The Career Transition Project—namely, through the Veterans and Individuals with disABILITIES programs—encourages a welcoming and inclusive workplace environment for the entire University of Pittsburgh community. These programs, led by Tom Armstrong, aim to hire veterans and individuals with disabilities, as well as actively provide outreach services to the University community, including assisting with job searches, attending career fairs, and creating referral resources for those who have been hired at the University.
In partnership with the team at 21andAble at the United Way of Southwestern PA, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh, the Career Transition Project launched at the University of Pittsburgh in 2015.
Since then, the Individuals with disABILITIES program has hired 30 individuals and provided outreach to 367 individuals. The program has 293 referral sources, which include agencies, schools, parents, and individuals. Since July 2017, the Veterans program has hired five veterans and provided outreach to 132 individuals.
The Career Transition Project was selected for the UPSIDE Award from 25 nominations. The Award acknowledges programs that increase access to and full participation in all aspects of the University by minorities, women, and other protected classes under the law. Considerations for the Award included: innovative approaches to increasing diversity and inclusion; creative and inspiring plans for future initiatives; and a record of commitment and success in diversity and inclusion efforts and related initiatives within the University of Pittsburgh community.
For more information about the UPSIDE Award, please visit the Office of Diversity and Inclusion's website.
Learn more about the Veterans and Individuals with disABILITIES programs in the University Times.