The initiative builds on Port Covington’s ambitious local hiring and workforce development goals and is funded in partnership with Sagamore Ventures
The Port Covington development team today announced the launch of a new partnership with Project JumpStart, Inc. – a 501(c)3 workforce development and job placement program – to implement its 15-week construction training program that will ultimately support the development of Port Covington. The partnership, which will support the education of up to 22 students, includes financial support of Project JumpStart by Sagamore Ventures, the privately-held investment company of Kevin Plank.
Project JumpStart began in 2006 as an effort to provide opportunities in the construction trades to Baltimore City residents. The program is designed for Baltimore City residents with a high school diploma or GED. Experienced teachers help students understand job readiness and prepare for success on the construction site and in the industry more broadly. Students also receive essential safety training, financial coaching, a stipend and driver’s education. More than 80% of our graduates are placed in construction jobs, with many leading to solid careers in the construction industry. Project JumpStart also serves contractors by referring only well-screened, job-ready candidates to meet their entry-level hiring needs.
“Project JumpStart has a well-established history of success, with hundreds of graduates since its founding. We were immediately drawn to the mission, opportunity and long-term impact the program can have for its students,” said MaryAnne Gilmartin, Founder and CEO of MAG Partners. “As we think about what we’re building in Port Covington, our vision goes far beyond physical buildings. We’re most interested in creating a place that is welcoming, inclusive and provides opportunity for all of Baltimore. Project JumpStart, Inc. is another tool to help us reach that goal.”
“Project JumpStart provides a path to a rewarding construction career for Baltimore City residents. Excitingly, the development of Port Covington will continue to create employment opportunities for jobseekers. Training residents to fill these roles is essential to our mission of delivering economic justice to Baltimore City residents,” said MacKenzie Garvin Esq., Chief of Staff, Mayor’s Office of Employment Development.
To date, Port Covington has met or exceeded its local hiring goals, including at least 51 percent of new hires are Baltimore residents. Overall, the development team has committed at least 30% of the development’s overall employees will be Baltimore City residents.
“The primary goal of the Project JumpStart, Inc. is to help local Baltimore residents find long-term success by providing a solid foundation of skills and job training that isn’t offered anywhere else,” said Jimmy Stewart, Executive Director of Project JumpStart, Inc. “We remain committed to addressing our city’s equity and economic disparities by ensuring our graduates are fully prepared for in-demand construction careers. We are proud to be a part of Port Covington and are confident that, together, we can have a positive impact on Baltimore.”
MAG Partners and MacFarlane Partners, the development team behind Port Covington, have emphasized the importance of community investment and supporting local businesses since joining the Port Covington development and investment team earlier this year. In recent months, they have also announced $2.5 million in macro grants, micro grants, and capacity-building funding from the SB7 Coalition, and have supported Baltimore-based Conscious Ventures Partners, alongside lead investor Sagamore Ventures, as they raise a $50 million fund for investment in companies using innovation to create a more equitable society, specifically targeting local MWBEs.
The 14-million square-foot project will create a new, mixed-use community with market rate and affordable housing and new state-of-the-art offices and robust retail offerings, with a first phase including residential, office, retail and open space coming online next year. With 2.5 miles of restored waterfront and 40 acres of parks and green space, Port Covington is expected to generate fresh opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship for Baltimore City residents and its local workforce.
About Port Covington
Port Covington is a 235-acre redevelopment project located on Baltimore City’s prime waterfront, featuring investments from Sagamore Ventures and the Urban Investment Group within Goldman Sachs Asset Management. As one of the largest urban revitalization efforts in the United States, the neighborhood of Port Covington will have a fundamental and far-reaching impact on Baltimore’s future. At completion, this transformative project will include: up to 14 million square feet of new, mixed-use development; 2.5 miles of restored waterfront; and 40 acres of parks and green space. The Port Covington redevelopment is expected to generate fresh opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship for Baltimore City residents and its local workforce.
For more information on Port Covington, visit www.pc.city.
