The Marriott Foundation for People with disabilities was established in 1989 by the family of J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott with a mission to enhance employment opportunity for young people with disabilities.
National studies show that well over 50% of the 250,000 youth who exit special education each year remain unemployed one year later, with many more significantly underemployed. Meanwhile, employers continue to state that attracting and retaining a strong workforce is one of their greatest challenges, while more than 60% of them say that they have never knowingly employed an individual with disabilities.
To help close this gap, the Foundation developed "Bridges. . .from school to work." This acclaimed program matches the interests and abilities of young people with the workforce needs of employers, creating and supporting strong employment relationships that work to the benefit of all.
Now operating Bridges in major urban centers across the country, the Foundation is assisting employers with their workplace challenges while helping young people become fully contributing members of their communities.
The Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities is an independently incorporated 501(c)(3) organization. It utilizes the infrastructure of Marriott International in areas such as human resources, accounts payable, and information resources under the conditions of a long-term management contract. Additionally, the Foundation and its Bridges programs maintain a close relationship with Marriott International management in areas of mutual interest.
Bridges develops and supports mutually beneficial job placements to meet the workforce needs of local employers and the vocational goals of young people.
