streets, historic architecture and charming public squares. Beneath this scenic beauty, however, lies the persistent challenge of navigating economic disparities. 20.4 percent of all residents live below the poverty line, and this rate increases to 29.1 percent for residents under the age of 18.
Within the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, all 10 public high schools serve populations in which over half of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch (PDF), with six reporting rates above 70 percent. According to the Urban Institute Mobility Metrics, 77.5 percent attending high-poverty schools in Chatham County identify as non-Hispanic Black.
To respond to these inequities, the Racial Equity and Leadership (REAL) Task Force was convened as a public-private partnership to examine quality of life indicators, identifying inequities and making recommendations for the Savannah area.
The REAL Task Force’s 2021 report indicated workers of color in Savannah experience an unemployment rate of 7.8 percent, more than double the state average of 3.7 percent. The report also noted that 89 percent of female-led households with children under five live in poverty. One of the key contributors (PDF) to this cycle is inadequate access to affordable, quality childcare, which limits a parent’s ability to work, pursue education or participate in job training, effectively stalling economic advancement for entire families.
The lack of childcare workers is evident locally and across the state of Georgia. In fact, 83.3 percent of childcare facilities surveyed indicated the biggest business challenge faced was staffing and recruiting; nearly three in four childcare facilities indicated they were not operating at full capacity with more than a third citing a lack in skilled and qualified workers.
Meeting the Challenge with EMERGE
To break this cycle, the City of Savannah launched the EMERGE Job Training Program, a workforce development initiative targeting underserved residents and addressing persistent labor shortages in high-demand sectors such as early childhood education, healthcare, manufacturing and culinary services.
Since its inception, EMERGE has focused on equipping participants with stackable, industry-aligned credentials and practical work experience, at no cost to eligible residents. Each cohort receives wraparound services, including transportation assistance, childcare referrals and job readiness training. EMERGE tracks outcomes at 45-, 90- and 180-days post-training to ensure long-term success and retention in the workforce.
One of the program’s most impactful offerings has been the Child Development Associate (CDA) training, which directly addresses the City of Savannah’s shortage of qualified early childhood educators. The 12-week course prepares participants to work in licensed childcare facilities and aligns with national standards set by the Council for Professional Recognition. Since its launch, more than 100 participants have graduated, earning CPR and Fire Safety certifications. The vast majority of program graduates received their CDA certification after passing the national exam, adding new certified educators to Savannah’s early childhood workforce.
A Success Story
Glorious Mason, a member of the first CDA cohort, exemplifies the program’s impact. After earning her certification in 2020, she launched the Be Glorious Learning Center, an in-home daycare that serves children aged 0–12. Her program features play-based, project-based and faith-based learning, while also actively involving families through events like fashion shows and field trips. Glorious has authored multiple workbooks and now runs a tutoring and mentorship program for future childcare workers. Her story underscores how a well-designed workforce training program can ignite entrepreneurship and expand community impact.
Creating Partnerships to Invest in the Next Generation
Building on EMERGE’s success, the City of Savannah introduced Jump Start, a new initiative tailored to high school students. In partnership with Groves High School, the city launched this program to give students access to the CDA credential and hands-on experience in early childhood education before graduation. Through funding received from the National League of Cities Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant, Savannah’s Jump Start program tackles several barriers to youth employment by providing scholarships to students for the CDA course, exam fee and transportation. Additionally, participating in NLC’s Economic Mobility Peer Network (EMPN) has provided learning opportunities from other cities to improve our program design, connect with other municipalities and engage in a myriad of economic mobility topics.
During the CDA course, students receive on-site work experience at the Groves High School childcare facility while simultaneously accessing wraparound support through the Moses Jackson Advancement Center (MJAC). This includes mentorship, job coaching, parenting education and financial literacy, creating a whole-family support model that improves retention and cultivates long-term success.
Orientation sessions include both students and their parents and guardians, which ensures buy-in from the start and fosters stronger school-family partnerships. Jump Start will not only prepare students for immediate employment upon graduation but also establish a pipeline of trained, credentialed educators ready to fill critical shortages in the City of Savannah’s childcare sector.
Jump Starting the Future
The City of Savannah’s investment in the EMERGE and Jump Start programs demonstrates how local governments can creatively align workforce development, education and economic equity goals. By giving both adults and youth the tools, credentials and support to enter high-need fields, the city is directly addressing labor market gaps while expanding economic opportunity for its most vulnerable residents.
As cities across the country grapple with labor shortages, youth disengagement and persistent inequality, I believe that the City of Savannah’s model shows how strategic partnerships and wraparound services can jump start mobility, not just for individuals, but for entire communities.
Economic Mobility Peer Network
For more stories and information on economic mobility, join the Economic Mobility Peer Network. As a member of this no-cost, peer-to-peer network, you’ll get access to monthly engagements, economic mobility resources, and unique NLC opportunities!
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