SWEPT initially organized in response to the 2008 crash in the construction sector, aiming to create access the formalized labor market for other careers among affected NM residents. Although SWEPT has successfully trained individuals for employment in a variety of living wage sectors, the 2020 COVID -19 pandemic has revealed deep structural inequities regarding economic mobility for low-income communities of color throughout the country.

SWEPT has undertaken a redesign of adult education and training in New Mexico to connect underemployed residents to employers for certified jobs in the high need work sectors of K-12 Education, Behavioral Health, Pre-Occupational Training, and Information Technologies.

SWEPT coordinates with educational and social service partners—as well as employers—to support cohorts of students seeking to improve family economic stability. By providing integrated wraparound social services and academic support, we help our low-income clientele access career opportunities which empowers participants to break self-perpetuating cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement. SWEPT pathways represent sustainable access to middle-wage, high-need, and stable career pathways to provide greater intergenerational economic and academic advancement.