CODEXCEL 360:Workforces Skills Training for Adults

We are addressing the lack of accessible career navigation, reskilling, and wraparound support for middle-age and older adults who are unemployed, underemployed, or transitioning careers. In Harris County, Texas, where Victory Village Corp operates, 44% of workers are low-wage earners, many of whom are over 40 and face heightened economic insecurity due to rising costs of living and industry disruptions. This issue is particularly acute for individuals without access to affordable training opportunities, career guidance, or essential support services like childcare and transportation. Nationally, the problem affects millions of workers, with older adults representing a growing share of those struggling to adapt to shifting workforce demands. By providing targeted reskilling programs and holistic support, we aim to equip this underserved population with the tools needed for sustainable economic mobility.

CODEXCEL 360° is an innovative train-the-trainer program designed to support middle-age and older adults in achieving economic mobility through targeted career navigation, reskilling, and holistic support services. The program equips participants with high-demand skills in industries such as technology and healthcare, offering a blend of in-person training at local community centers (through our Victory iTECH Café partnerships with Harris County precincts) and online platforms for added flexibility.

Participants benefit from one-on-one career counseling, job market tools, paid trainer apprenticeships, and technical computer training workshops, empowering them to make informed career decisions and train others. The program also addresses critical barriers to success by integrating wraparound services, including subsidized transportation, afterschool/childcare, and mental health support.

By combining community-focused delivery with cutting-edge technology tools, CODEXCEL 360° not only helps individuals transition into sustainable, higher-wage careers but also creates a ripple effect of knowledge transfer, preparing future generations for success.

CODEXCEL 360° serves middle-age and older adults who are unemployed, underemployed, working in low-paying education roles, seeking career transitions, or pursuing additional income opportunities. This group often faces significant obstacles, including outdated skills, limited access to affordable training, and systemic barriers such as transportation, childcare, and mental health challenges. Despite their potential, they are frequently overlooked in workforce development efforts, leaving them underserved and struggling to achieve financial stability in an evolving job market.

Our solution tackles these challenges head-on by offering reskilling opportunities in high-demand industries like technology and healthcare. Participants gain the tools and knowledge needed to secure sustainable, higher-paying careers. CODEXCEL 360° also provides holistic support services such as career counseling, subsidized transportation, and access to affordable childcare, ensuring participants can focus on their success without added burdens.

By targeting this underserved population, CODEXCEL 360° not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens communities. The program fosters economic mobility, reduces unemployment, and empowers participants to serve as trainers and mentors for the next generation, creating a lasting cycle of growth and opportunity.

Victory Village Corp is deeply embedded in the communities we serve, with a history of empowering over 3,000 youth, families, and adults since our founding in 2017. Our team reflects the diversity and lived experiences of our target population, including individuals who have faced similar economic and career challenges. This proximity fosters trust and ensures our programs are designed to address real-world needs.

We engage directly with middle age and senior adult community members through established partnerships with local Harris County precincts, community centers, schools, and businesses, particularly via our Victory iTECH Café, which hosts programs in locations where participants already feel comfortable. For example, when piloting CODEXCEL programming, we gathered input from over 200 community members through mobile focus groups and surveys, ensuring that the curriculum addressed barriers such as limited transportation, flexible training needs, and access to mental health resources through local nonprofits and faith organizations.

Their feedback guided the development of CODEXCEL 360°, shaping its hybrid delivery model and wraparound services. By continuing to prioritize community voices in our program design and implementation, we ensure that CODEXCEL 360° remains responsive and impactful for those it serves.

Our 2023 CODEXCEL Summer Staff - North Shore High School - Houston, TX

We selected the Concept phase because CODEXCEL 360° is an evolution of our existing CODEXCEL programming for youth and young adults, but tailored specifically to the needs of middle-age and older adults. While we have not yet officially launched this new initiative, we have built a solid foundation through the success of CODEXCEL and its associated programs.

To date, we have tested and refined workforce development programming for youth and young adults, reaching over 3,000 participants since 2017. Furthermore, we have reskilled middle age and retired seniors and hired them as contract trainers for our CODEXCEL program.  Through our Victory iTECH Café, we’ve piloted training sessions in collaboration with Harris County precincts, successfully hosting workshops in accessible community centers. Additionally, through our CODEXCEL youth programming, we have tested wraparound services such as summer and weekend childcare services and one-on-one career counseling, receiving positive feedback from participants.

These accomplishments provide a strong proof of concept for adapting and scaling our model to serve middle-age and older adults through CODEXCEL 360°. Feedback from community engagement sessions and focus groups with older workers has further validated the demand and feasibility of this new initiative.

Joel Garza (Retired Desert Storm Veteran | Certified Commercial Drone Pilot) - CODEXCEL Drone Apprentice Trainer, a paid 1099 contract position onboard the Victory iTECH Café.

www.vvcorp.org/codexcel

CODEXCEL 360° is innovative because it integrates a train-the-trainer model with a comprehensive approach to workforce development, uniquely addressing the challenges faced by middle-age and older adults in today’s job market. Unlike traditional reskilling programs that focus solely on technical training or job placement, CODEXCEL 360° combines skills development with mentorship training, enabling participants to transfer their knowledge and empower the next generation. This dual approach creates a ripple effect of learning and workforce readiness that extends beyond individual participants.

Key Distinctions Community-Centered Delivery: Training is delivered through local partnerships with Victory iTECH Café, ensuring accessibility and reducing barriers like transportation and time constraints.Holistic Support Services: Wraparound support such as subsidized transportation, childcare, and mental health resources allows participants to focus on their success.Hybrid Training Model: In-person workshops combined with online tools provide flexibility and hands-on instruction.Intergenerational Impact: Participants are trained to mentor younger workers, creating sustainable workforce pipelines while providing meaningful roles for older adults.
Broader Positive Impacts

• Catalyzing Change in Workforce Development: CODEXCEL 360° demonstrates the power of community-based, intergenerational training, encouraging other organizations to adopt similar models.
• Reducing Economic Inequities: By equipping underserved populations with skills and mentorship roles, the program helps bridge the wage and opportunity gaps.
• Shifting Perceptions of Aging Workforce: Empowering older adults as trainers showcases their value and experience, challenging stereotypes and redefining their role in the workforce.

Transforming the Market and Landscape

CODEXCEL 360° has the potential to reshape workforce development by creating a scalable, replicable model that values both technical skills and mentorship. Its holistic, community-driven approach addresses the unique challenges of underserved populations while fostering sustainable economic growth, setting a new standard for workforce innovation.

Tori Cole, Executive Director, interviewed by Soledad O'Brien and JR Smith in the Toyota "After the Nudge" International YouTube Podcast.

Impact Goals for CODEXCEL 360°

1. Train 300 Middle-Age and Older Adults Annually: Reskill participants with high-demand technical and vocational skills, mentorship training, and career navigation tools to secure sustainable, higher-wage careers.

2. Develop 150 Certified Trainers and Teachers Annually: Equip participants with the teaching and mentorship skills necessary to train and mentor younger generations, fostering intergenerational workforce development.

3. Reduce Barriers to Workforce Participation: Address systemic challenges such as transportation, childcare, and mental health by integrating holistic wraparound support services into the program.

4. Foster Inclusive Workforce Development Ecosystems: Build coalitions among local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies to align efforts, create pathways for participants, and scale sustainable impacts.

Measuring Progress

We track progress using the following key indicators:

• Enrollment and Completion: Number of participants enrolled and completing training, mentorship, and career navigation modules.
• Trainer Development: Number completing train-the-trainer certification and percentage mentoring or training others within six months.
• Employment and Income: Percentage securing employment within six months and average wage increases post-program.
• Barrier Reduction: Number accessing wraparound services (e.g., transportation, childcare) and satisfaction with support services.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Number of businesses and organizations involved and outcomes of collaborative events like workshops and hiring fairs.
• Participant Feedback: Surveys, focus groups, and testimonials evaluating program effectiveness and mentorship success.

Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals

CODEXCEL 360° directly supports:

• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • Indicator 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment.
  • Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate by gender, age, and persons with disabilities.
• Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50% of median income by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.

These metrics ensure CODEXCEL 360° not only achieves immediate goals but also drives long-term, transformational impacts in workforce development, mentorship, and economic equity.

Our solution team for CODEXCEL 360° currently includes:

• Full-Time Staff: 1 Executive Director
• Part-Time Staff: 1 Program Manager, 1 CODEXCEL 360 Trainer
• Contractors or Other Workers: 8 (including 1 grant specialist, 2 ad-hoc skills trainers, 2 career counselors, and 3 wraparound service providers engaged on a project basis)

This team brings together diverse expertise in program development, community engagement, workforce training, and holistic support services to ensure the successful implementation of CODEXCEL 360°.

We have been working on the foundation of our solution for seven years, since Victory Village Corp's inception in 2017. While CODEXCEL 360° is a new initiative, it builds upon the success and lessons learned from our CODEXCEL program for youth, which has been refined and expanded over this period. Our experience delivering impactful workforce development and educational programs positions us to effectively adapt and scale this solution for middle-age and older adults.

At Victory Village Corp, we are deeply committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for our team and stakeholders. Our leadership team reflects the communities we serve, with individuals representing diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as lived experiences that align closely with our target population. This diversity enhances our ability to design and deliver programs that are relevant, culturally sensitive, and impactful.

To minimize barriers to opportunity for staff, we:

1. Ensure Equitable Hiring Practices: We actively recruit candidates from underrepresented groups and prioritize skills, potential, and lived experience over traditional credentials to ensure inclusivity in our hiring processes.
2. Support Professional Growth: We provide staff with access to leadership development, training opportunities, and flexible work arrangements to accommodate different needs, including caregiving and education.
3. Create a Welcoming Environment: Our organizational culture emphasizes respect, collaboration, and open communication. Regular team-building activities and feedback sessions ensure every team member feels valued and heard.

Our goals include further diversifying our leadership team, enhancing cultural competency training for all staff, and regularly evaluating our policies to eliminate any unintended barriers. By embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of our organization, we ensure that our team operates effectively and equitably to achieve our mission.

Business Model for CODEXCEL 360°

Our solution operates under a mission-driven hybrid business model, focusing on delivering social impact to underserved populations while ensuring long-term sustainability through diversified funding streams.

Value Proposition

We provide middle-age and older adults with comprehensive career navigation, reskilling opportunities, and holistic support services that address barriers to economic mobility. Participants gain access to high-demand skill training, personalized career counseling, and wraparound services like transportation, childcare, and mental health support. These resources empower them to transition into sustainable, higher-wage careers, improving their quality of life and economic independence.

Key Customers and Beneficiaries

• Beneficiaries: Middle-age and older adults, particularly those who are unemployed, underemployed, or transitioning careers, benefit directly from our programs and services

• Key Customers:

  • Corporate Partners: Invest in workforce development initiatives to address talent shortages and community engagement goals.
  • Government Entities: Collaborate to implement workforce development strategies that align with economic development plans

Revenue Streams

1. Grants and Philanthropic Funding: Primary funding source from foundations, government grants, and corporate philanthropy to cover program costs.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Local businesses contribute to specific training modules, coalition-building events, and participant placements to address their workforce needs.
3. Fee-for-Service Model: Partners pay for specialized workshops, consulting, or access to trained participants for employment opportunities.
4. Community Donations: Individuals contribute to sustain wraparound services that directly benefit participants.

Delivery Model

1. Community-Centered Training: Programs are delivered in accessible locations like community centers via partnerships with Victory iTECH Café and Harris County precincts.
2. Hybrid Access: Participants can attend in-person or online, ensuring flexibility for various schedules and needs.
3. Wraparound Support: Services are integrated into program delivery, reducing barriers like transportation and childcare that hinder participation.

Why They Want or Need These Services

Participants face significant challenges adapting to a rapidly changing workforce due to limited access to affordable training and support services. Employers and communities benefit from a more skilled, engaged workforce, and funders see value in contributing to a scalable, impactful solution that promotes equity and economic mobility.

Plan for Financial Sustainability

Victory Village Corp employs a diversified revenue model combining grants, corporate sponsorships, individual donations, fee-for-service offerings, and social enterprise ventures to ensure financial sustainability and program scalability.

• Grants and Philanthropic Funding: Secured over $130,000 in grants in 2023 and 2024, supporting critical programs and impact expansion.
• Gala Fundraiser and Corporate Sponsorships: Hosting the Victory Village Founders' Scholarship Gala on March 28, 2025, with a $100,000 fundraising goal for CODEXCEL programming.
• Individual and Local Business Support: Raised recurring support through targeted campaigns and in-kind contributions like technology tools from local businesses.
• Fee-for-Service Model: Developing revenue through contracts with governments and businesses for workforce training, scaling with CODEXCEL 360°.
• Social Enterprise Ventures: Victory iTECH Café generates revenue via event hosting and catering while serving as a community training hub.

Evidence of Success:

• Secured $30,000 and $100,000 in grants in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
• Delivered CODEXCEL programs to over 3,000 youth, building trust and credibility for expanded funding and partnerships.

With a proven track record and diversified strategy, Victory Village Corp is positioned for long-term sustainability while continuing to serve the community effectively.

We are applying to the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards to secure vital resources and strategic support that will enable us to expand CODEXCEL 360° and address the pressing workforce challenges faced by middle-age and older adults. The opportunity to collaborate with the Truist Foundation and MIT Solve will provide us with financial backing, expert mentorship, and access to a network of innovative leaders and organizations, significantly enhancing our capacity to scale our solution.

Through this partnership, we aim to overcome key barriers such as:

• Funding for Infrastructure and Services: The grant funding will help us invest in technology tools, wraparound services, and expanded training facilities to meet growing demand.
• Strategic Guidance: MIT Solve’s mentorship can support us in refining our program design, ensuring maximum impact and sustainability.
• Visibility and Networking: Participation in this Challenge will elevate our profile, allowing us to build connections with potential funders, corporate sponsors, and community partners.

By addressing these barriers, the Inspire Awards will play a pivotal role in accelerating the implementation of CODEXCEL 360°, empowering us to create long-term economic mobility for underserved populations.