Urban League Changes Lives

Unemployment cripples the lives of many, in spite of the good news that the unemployment rate has dropped. Many of the jobless are unskilled, undereducated, unsure about how to find and keep a job--or simply unlucky. Some need special help if they are ever to lead productive lives.

The federal government, under the Reagan Administration, has reduced that special help, but private businesses, including IBM and the Bank of America, continue to invest in an Urban League program that is making a difference in Los Angeles.

The Urban League has a history of opening up employment, economic and educational avenues for black Americans and others in need. For 75 years the organization has battled discrimination, built coalitions and garnered private support. The legacy continues. A new class started this week at the data-processing training center in South-Central Los Angeles.

Recently, 35 adults completed their training as computer operators, programmers and office personnel. They are among the 2,294 graduates, all previously unemployed, who have completed 10-week or 13-week courses since 1968. When the program started, Bank of America provided the building and furniture while IBM provided the equipment and instructors. Since those origins, California Federal Savings & Loan, Pacific Bell and Atlantic Richfield have also become major supporters. And the training program has been used as a model for 45 office-skills programs supported by IBM in other big cities.

Remarkably, 85% of the local graduates get jobs and keep them. Some have advanced to management. A few have joined the demanding faculty at the training center. One former student, Jack Priester, owns his own firm, Armstrong Data Services in Pacoima. He hired nine graduates this year.

Steady private support assures continuity. Even after government cutbacks, however, 80% of local Urban League offerings receive government funding.

The number of graduates is small when compared to the millions who are out of jobs. But for these at least there has been escape from the crippling effects of unemployment.