Economic stability has a significant impact on shaping health outcomes. Research increasingly shows income and employment are closely tied to a person’s ability to access health care, maintain housing, afford nutritious food and manage stress.1 UnitedHealthcare Community & State is addressing these social drivers of health by supporting programs that remove employment barriers and build long-term career pathways.
In alignment with this mission, UnitedHealthcare has entered a three-year, $4.5M collaboration with Goodwill Industries International to expand the Goodwill Opportunity Accelerator® (OA), a career advancement model designed to help individuals reach their full potential through job training, mentorship and access to employment resources.2 UnitedHealthcare is the exclusive funder of the “Fueling the OA” initiative, which aims to scale this workforce development approach in communities nationwide.
Highlights of the Opportunity Accelerator
The Opportunity Accelerator connects individuals with tools to pursue industry-recognized certifications, apprenticeships and high-demand jobs in fields such as health care, technology and clean energy. It also offers support services such as financial literacy training, life skills coaching and assistance with challenges like transportation and childcare, ensuring that more people can engage in meaningful work and thrive.
Backed by data, this model is driving results. Career pathway programs like OA have been shown to increase educational attainment by 155% and industry-specific employment by 72%, empowering participants with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in competitive markets.3
Local impact and personalized support
Currently available through 38 participating Goodwill organizations across 25 states, the OA initiative helps job seekers navigate their unique challenges with personalized support.4 UnitedHealthcare members can access these services through referrals from case managers, member advocates or the member portal.
In North Carolina, two Goodwill locations, Charlotte and Greensboro, have been selected to lead the initiative. In one year, these sites have generated nearly 800 community referrals, including several directly supporting UnitedHealthcare members.
Community member success story
A Greensboro resident turned to Goodwill for help after facing employment barriers related to her criminal justice history. Through Goodwill’s Careers on the Outside program, she participated in training and received individualized case management. Despite the challenges of home confinement, she remained focused on her goals. She began with a temporary commission-based role and then secured a stable job as an optical technician, a position she loves and sees as a steppingstone for future growth. Her journey reflects the powerful combination of community support, personal determination and strategic investment in career development.
By investing in programs like the Goodwill Opportunity Accelerator, UnitedHealthcare Community & State is reinforcing its commitment to addressing the root causes of health disparities. When individuals have the opportunity to build stable careers, they are better equipped to care for their families, contribute to their communities and maintain their own well-being. As this collaboration continues to grow, it serves as a model for how public and private organizations can come together to create a lasting impact on the community.
Learn more about how we impact residents by visiting our North Carolina profile page.
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