MISSION

Springboard Forward (SBF) coaches low-wage workers to discover their potential.

• SBF works post-placement for advancement, not pre-placement for employment.

• SBF provides on-the-job coaching and career counseling to teach transferable career-mobility skills, not vocational skills.

• SBF delivers services directly to employers, demonstrating that investing in employees at all levels improves business productivity.

OUR VISION

Springboard Forward envisions a world where all workers are empowered to dream and pursue their aspirations; where low-wage, entry-level jobs are a springboard to meaningful, sustainable careers.

HISTORY

In 1997 Elliott Brown founded a socially-driven business to provide staffing services to employers, and employment opportunities for low-income workers. To mitigate the poor retention rates typical in low-wage positions, the agency delivered intensive post-placement services, including one-on-one mentoring and on-the-job peer support groups.

As the vision expanded to include a comprehensive model for career development and advancement, Brown launched Springboard Forward.

In 2001, SBF was incorporated as a non-profit organization, and was seeded with a $240K grant from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

Springboard Forward is an IRS 501(c)(3) operating in Mountain View, CA, serving primarily Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.