Program Overview

Cassandra Banks Foundation (CBF) supported black women throughout their journey to economic freedom through support of apprenticeship readiness programs.

CBF partnered with unions, other workforce organizations, and local grassroots groups in recruitment and retention efforts for black women with the recognition that mentorship is a key factor in this work. Connecting black women in the apprenticeship readiness program with individuals who had either turned out or who were currently in apprenticeship proved invaluable. By connecting with women who look like them, the sharing of experiences along every step of the journey created opportunities for personal growth and meaningful friendships.

CBF had a grant program for apprenticeship readiness programs for local organizations. Since every U.S. geography has its own history and culture, we supported solutions that were localized and implemented in coordination with grassroots organizers.

The value of this localized approach was demonstrated through our program in partnership with the Tradeswomen Sisterhood, based in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. The Women's Initiative for Readiness in Electrical (WIRE) program provided a comprehensive apprenticeship readiness curriculum focused on skill development and career readiness in the electrical trade. In addition to trainings, participants received support for essential expenses such as childcare, transportation, and necessary work gear, which assisted them in completing the 11-week program. In 2024, the first cohort graduated from the program. All 11 women who enrolled successfully graduated from the program and are experiencing life-changing opportunities. As of November 2025, seven women were offered entry into the IBEW, and five of the original 11 WIRE graduates are now IBEW apprentices.