How we can help

Your bridge to help that already exists.

Free programs for job seekers, retraining, benefits and wellbeing are out there, but they’re scattered and full of jargon. We gather trustworthy ones in one place, explain them in plain English and help you choose where to start.

Find where to start Ask us a question

Start here

Not sure where to begin? Tap what applies.

Pick everything that fits your situation. We’ll show you the free programs to try first.

  • Apply for unemployment benefits in your state as soon as you can. Eligibility and amounts vary by state.

    Unemployment Benefits Finder Laid off? Start-here guide

  • Visit a free American Job Center near you, and search openings on trusted job boards.

    Find a job center Search jobs

  • See which careers use the skills you already have, then try free courses before you commit money.

    Match my skills Free training options

  • Call or text 211 for free, confidential referrals to local help, and check which government benefits you may qualify for.

    Reach 211 Government benefits

  • You can call or text 988 any time, free and confidential. If it’s not an emergency, try our 1-minute breathing break below.

    988 Lifeline More support

Find a job

Search smarter, with free help.

You don’t have to job-hunt alone or pay for help. These free, trusted services are a great place to start.

  • American Job Centers

    Free, government-funded centers across the U.S. offer career advice, job-search help and workshops, and can help eligible people pay for training.

    FreeNationwide
    Find a center near you

  • Trusted job boards

    Search openings on CareerOneStop’s Job Finder and on your state’s official job board, such as CalJOBS in California.

    CalJOBS
    Open the Job Finder

  • Skills that carry over

    Your experience counts. CareerOneStop’s free Skills Matcher suggests careers that use the skills you already have.

    Volunteer resume reviews · Coming soon
    Try the Skills Matcher

Free & low-cost training

Learn new skills without the big bill.

These are the kinds of programs we point people toward. Try free options first, and ask a job center about help paying for anything that isn’t free.

  • Digital basics

    Free, self-paced LearnFree lessons on computers, email and staying safe online. Many public libraries offer free help too.

    FreeSelf-paced
    Open LearnFree

  • Coding & tech

    Try the free coding curriculum from the nonprofit freeCodeCamp before you pay for a program.

    FreeSelf-paced
    Open freeCodeCamp

  • Community college & certificates

    Low-cost certificates and degrees close to home. Federal student aid can help eligible students with the cost.

    Low costFinancial aid
    Federal Student Aid

  • Apprenticeships

    Earn while you learn in the trades, manufacturing, IT and more. Search registered programs near you.

    Paid training
    Search Apprenticeship.gov

  • Help paying for training

    American Job Centers can help eligible job seekers, including people who’ve been laid off, pay for approved training through a federal program called WIOA.

    For eligible job seekers
    Find a job center

  • Workshops & soft skills

    Job centers and libraries often run free workshops on interviews, resumes and communication. Our own online workshops are coming soon.

    FreeOur workshops · Coming soon
    Find local training

Financial help

Money help while you’re in between.

We can’t fund people directly yet, but a lot of financial help already exists. Here’s where to look.

Where the money is

Existing sources of financial help and where to start with each
SupportA public or nonprofit program that already exists. What it can help withWhat the program can pay for or connect you with. Eligibility varies. Where to startThe official site to begin with.
Unemployment benefits Part of your lost wages while you look for work. Rules and amounts vary by state. Benefits Finder
Training funds (WIOA) The cost of approved training programs, for eligible job seekers, including people who’ve been laid off. Local job center
Federal student aid Grants and loans for college and many career-training programs. StudentAid.gov
Local help (211) Free, confidential referrals for rent, food, utilities and other urgent needs where you live. 211.org
Other benefits Government programs you may qualify for, like food, housing or health care assistance. USA.gov benefits
Coming soon

Pathways micro-grants

As funding allows, we plan to offer small grants for retraining costs, like a course fee or a laptop. Join our list and we’ll tell you when applications open.

Notify me

Grants will depend on donations. Help us launch them.

Wellbeing

You don’t have to carry this alone.

Losing work to automation can shake your confidence, your finances and your sense of who you are. We’re not counselors, but we can point you to free, confidential support, any time.

Peer support circles · Coming soon

In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free, confidential and available 24/7 in the U.S. You can also chat at 988lifeline.org.

Take a slow breathPress start

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Join Pathways for Progress today and take the first step towards a promising new career in an evolving world. We are dedicated to providing you with the tools and support necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and automation. Together, we can forge a path to success and stability in your professional life. Let us help you turn these changes into new beginnings.