TEMPE, ARIZONA – The Welcome to America Project (WTAP) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to expand its Career Bridging program, a workforce development initiative helping refugees in Maricopa County move from entry-level survival jobs to sustainable, professional careers.

The grant will fund direct workforce readiness expenses for low-income refugees, including professional certifications, occupational licensing fees, exam costs, targeted job training programs, and community college coursework. Funds will also support individualized career coaching, resume development, interview preparation, and employer connections – ensuring participants have both the credentials and support systems necessary to secure stable, higher-wage employment.

Many refugees arrive in Arizona with advanced degrees and professional experience but face significant barriers to transferring credentials or accessing U.S. certification pathways. Without support, they are often limited to minimum-wage positions despite their skills. WTAP’s Career Bridging program addresses these gaps by providing culturally competent guidance, financial assistance for training and credentialing, and long-term mentorship.

“This generous investment from Thunderbirds Charities creates tangible pathways to economic mobility for refugee families,” said Kevin Groman, WTAP’s Executive Director. “When individuals gain the credentials and confidence to pursue careers aligned with their skills, entire families benefit – and so does our local economy. This partnership strengthens not just our participants, but our entire community.”

Since 2001, WTAP has served more than 30,000 refugees from 50 countries, helping newcomers build stable, thriving lives in Arizona.

The Welcome to America Project (WTAP)

This grant is part of the Fall 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.