Bridging education and employment to empower underrepresented communities with skills for lasting success.
At UKG, we believe that a better world is only possible when everyone is equally empowered to thrive. Through our Empower U initiative, we are creating opportunities for students, partners, and communities to tap into their unique abilities and achieve their dreams. One powerful example of this is the UKG Ready Human Capital Management (HCM) - TLM (Time and Labor Management) Certification program, launched in partnership with Broward College.
This certification is more than just a learning experience; it’s a life-changing opportunity for students from underrepresented communities to gain the skills needed for high-demand roles in the HR and workforce management industries. By breaking down barriers to access, this program offers students a chance to build a sustainable future for themselves and their families, while also contributing to the growth of their communities.
A program designed for impact
The UKG Ready HCM - TLM Certification program provides participants with hands-on training, mentorship, and a paid internship. Students learn through structured coursework and simulated real-world scenarios, gaining practical skills that prepare them to enter the workforce with confidence. The program is funded through UKG’s philanthropy, ensuring that even students from traditionally overlooked schools and communities can take part without financial burden.
Over the course of the semester, students work closely with UKG subject matter experts who guide them through the implementation of UKG's Ready product, focusing on time, labor management, and human capital management. Beyond the technical skills, students are also given access to professional development resources, helping them develop the soft skills necessary to excel in their future careers.
This certification represents a bridge between education and opportunity, opening doors for students to secure remote or in-person roles within UKG, our partner ecosystem, and the broader HR industry. Whether they pursue careers as implementation consultants, solution consultants, or HR administrators, the impact of this certification is clear: it provides a solid foundation for professional and financial growth.
Transforming lives through education and empowerment
One of the most exciting aspects of this program is the opportunity it creates for students who might not have seen college or a high-paying career as a viable option. By offering scholarships, paid internships, and access to industry professionals, UKG is making it possible for these students to break through generational barriers and achieve their goals.
"At UKG, we believe in the power of education to change lives. Through this program, we are not just providing a certification; we are offering students a future filled with possibility and the tools they need to succeed."
Director, Belonging, Equity, and Impact
The real impact of the certification will be told through the stories of the students who complete it.
"Successfully completing this certification makes me feel a strong sense of accomplishment. I had to practice a lot of grit to be able to make it to the finish line. Along the way, there were different challenges around time management, and I was able to leverage my peers and partner with them … I'm very proud of what I was able to not only learn, but also able to contribute."
Raymond Correa
"I feel like [this certification] has empowered me for the future. I really loved this challenge; it’s helped to build my self-esteem and confidence. I feel ready for the industry."
Dusan Jaksic
"It took a lot of dedication to get into this program, but it was definitely worth every minute. Being able to take the knowledge that you learned from school and combine it with what you learn at UKG, makes you feel more prepared for the workforce, makes you feel more prepared for life, and you get to meet a lot of nice faces along the way."
Taylor Hanna
"[Being part of the first cohort] meant that we could pave a path for the next cohort and to show that, it was right for [UKG] to take a chance on us. Sometimes, we're not given opportunities, and we're not provided with the essential things that we need, we just need a little bit of help. I’m leading the path for someone else to come up and that means I’m able to help."
Chantal Cabral
These young professionals will not only have the chance to transform their own lives, but they will also carry the knowledge and skills gained into their communities, helping to create lasting, positive change.
A future of opportunity
The UKG Ready HCM - TLM Certification program is a key component of UKG’s broader social impact and DEIB efforts. By focusing on equity of opportunity, UKG is not only helping to level the playing field for underrepresented communities but is also setting an example for other organizations to follow.
"This program underscores our commitment to creating pathways to opportunity for all people. It’s more than just professional development; it’s about helping individuals unlock their potential and driving social change in the communities that need it most."
Senior Director, Social Equity, Opportunity, and Impact
Looking forward
The success of the inaugural cohort is already clear, with all four students passing the UKG Ready HCM - TLM Certification exam. As we celebrate their achievements, we are excited to share that the second cohort is now underway, continuing to build on the momentum of this life-changing program.
Looking ahead, UKG has plans to expand this certification program across additional semesters at Broward College and into other locations. The next step in our expansion will bring the program to Lowell, Massachusetts, home to one of our dual headquarters alongside Weston, Florida. As we grow, we are committed to offering more students the opportunity to develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce and to create sustainable, generational change in underrepresented communities.