Connecting People in Underserved Communities to Stable Careers

Connecting People in Underserved Communities to Stable Careers

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is partnering with workforce development programs across the state to help people in underserved communities get the education and training needed to find well-paying, stable careers.

Leydi Escalona, for example, was 22 years old and pregnant with her first child when she shared her overwhelming feeling of isolation and need for work with her OB-GYN.

She was recommended to the New Moms workforce development program, which helps moms ages 18-24 in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs who aren't employed or in school. BCBSIL works with the nonprofit to hire qualified candidates for customer advocate roles and other positions.

"Even though I was at home I was very lonely - I needed to do something more," says Escalona, a Medicaid member at the time. "New Moms was that stepping stone where I could make a little money but also learn."

During her four months in the program, she worked at Bright Endeavors, a social enterprise, making hand-poured candles four days a week while taking parenting and workplace skills classes. The 16-week paid internship program pairs participants with a career coach who helps guide them through career readiness training and planning, educational opportunities such as GED programs and, ultimately, job placement.

In October 2024, Escalona accepted a job as a bilingual customer service advocate at the BCBSIL Pilsen customer service center and now helps Medicare members navigate their health benefits.

"I feel more educated, and I've gained more skills and knowledge," says Escalona. "It's been a great experience, and I would recommend it to any mom."

Leydi Escalona joined BCBSIL in October 2024 as a bilingual customer service advocate at the Pilsen customer service center.

Last year, New Moms served more than 350 young moms. Of those, 93 gained permanent employment through the program and more than 75% doubled their income.

"Partnering with community-focused organizations like New Moms helps us to employ individuals who understand and represent the communities that we serve," says BCBSIL Executive Director of Medicaid Operations Courtney Boileau. "That's vital to compassionate care and better health outcomes."

Many young moms come to the program after moving from job to job and just need a push to help gain the confidence and skills to find their correct fit, says New Moms employment engagement coach Mindy Dillon, who worked with Escalona.

"It's about our moms understanding and knowing their value," she says. "We help shift how they think about themselves and how employers look at them. The fact that Leydi's been at BCBSIL for a year is wonderful. For her to feel valued and have her talents seen is our dream for all our moms."

Tech jobs

Since February 2024, BCBSIL has worked with Coding Temple on a new program to provide Medicaid members with a no-cost route to jobs in four high-demand fields: software engineering, cybersecurity, data analytics, and quality assurance.

Coding Temple offers flexible learning models that range from 10 weeks to 6 months and teach students the technical skills needed in their chosen field with no prior experience required. Students complete nine real-world projects and can graduate with a professional portfolio, resume, interviewing experience and job credentials.

"We found that the type of job mattered just as much as whether members have a job or not," says BCBSIL Senior Business Consultant Tamatha Smith, who helps oversee the program.

More than 1,200 people enroll in Coding Temple programs each year, and half live in at-risk or distressed communities. BCBSIL's pilot program enrolled members in ZIP codes associated with these communities.

From the first cohort, 10 BCBSIL members have graduated from software engineering, cybersecurity and quality assurance programs, and 15 more are on track to complete their training. The second cohort is set to begin soon.

Graduates typically see a median salary increase of over $23,000, often landing positions that average salaries over $81,000, according to Coding Temple's Chief Product and Technology Officer Ryan Taylor.

"Our purpose has always been to empower prosperity," says Taylor. "We don't just teach technical skills, we build capabilities that help people earn more, achieve stability and create generational wealth. This partnership works because we share the same mission, helping people live healthier, more prosperous lives through opportunity and meaningful work."