Project QUEST, Inc.

In the early 1990’s, an acute skills mismatch emerged as the area’s economic base began shifting from manufacturing to service and technology-driven industries. Many of these emerging industries offered good paying jobs, but they required skills and expertise that were in short supply among low income residents. QUEST began on designing a strategy to address this mismatch. Since 1992, QUEST's mission is to strengthen the economy with highly qualified employees for in-demand living wage, careers.

QUEST serves individuals struggling to provide for their families despite their willingness to work. This target population includes underemployed or unemployed San Antonio and Bexar County residents who lack the skills necessary to obtain long-term employment that pays family sustaining wages. Barriers for this population include a minimal education, insufficient job skills, and an ineffective support network. QUEST provides training for in-demand occupations and connects participants to jobs that pay a family sustaining wage with benefits. Services include identification of in-demand occupations, outreach and recruitment, comprehensive applicant assessment, career coaching, academic and workforce skills assessment, career mapping, academic enhancement, occupational skills training, job placement and supportive services. After graduation, QUEST assists participants find employment with a good salary, benefits, and opportunity for growth.

Applicants receive a two-phase assessment to determine their training readiness: one for academic skill level and the other to establish career suitability. Training is provided by accredited institutions that include the Alamo Colleges, the UT Health San Antonio, and the Baptist School of Health Professions. Specialized boot camp training is provided through Rackspace Cloud Academy, Code Bound, and Codeup program. Information technology training includes software development, Linux Systems Administration, Network Operations, and Cyber Security. QUEST supports training for occupations in healthcare, bio-science, information technology and security, energy, manufacturing, and other trades. In addition to educational skills, QUEST integrates STEM competencies as part of participants’ success plan. The ability to solve problems, gather and evaluate information and make sense of the information is crucial to the occupations and industries supported by QUEST, as well as necessary for the participants’ employment advancement.

Case management includes work-readiness training, support services, crisis intervention, and transition to employment. Career Coaches and participants develop an academic and financial plan that ensures successful completion of training and transition to employment. Career Coaches facilitate weekly peer Vision, Initiative, and Perseverance (VIP) meetings that focus on increasing work-readiness skills. Participants develop peer support systems while in training through VIP meetings. Subject matter experts including employers and community organization representatives are often guest presenters at the VIP meetings. Upon completion of training, participants are provided job search and placement services. After obtaining employment, participants are tracked at 90 days, and at 6 and 18 months to verify wages and ensure retention.

In 2019, 399 participants that were placed in jobs were earning less than $15,000 prior to enrolling in the program. They now earn an average of $44,094. Demographics include: the average age of 29 years, 28% receive public assistance, 22% single parents, 44% parents, 11% African American, 66% Hispanic, 68% women, and 6% Veterans. The project will serve individuals seeking a career in the healthcare, IT, or advanced manufacturing sectors. Career tracks offer short-term training certifications.

Testimonial: QUEST Graduate, RN, BSN at Methodist Hospital
Divorced while pregnant, I moved in with my parents at age 31. I enrolled in the Nursing program at San Antonio College because I did not see myself raising a child on a salary based on waiting tables. Thanks to the support through QUEST, I graduated from the program in 2013 and was licensed as a Registered Nurse. I continued my education, received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and now I earn close to $70,000 a year! In 2014, I was able to purchase my first home and now drive a new car. I even have time to volunteer at my church and be a member of the PTA! Without the continued support of QUEST, I would not have been able to dream that this was possible. I am grateful for their belief in me and in all QUESTers, who with their assistance can overcome our circumstances when we need some additional support in our lives.