Social Capital Smart
ABOUT US
WHY WE DO IT
Social Capital is the glue that helps people and communities excel. It has powered many of our nation’s greatest successes, and its decline has fueled some of our toughest challenges. Without strong connections to people, institutions, and industries, opportunity dries up.
Social Capital Builders (SCB) was founded in 2019 by Edward DeJesus to fix a critical blind spot in workforce and education systems: we’ve prioritized what people know, while ignoring who they know. This oversight has left too many Americans disconnected from the opportunities that fuel upward mobility.
SCB trains individuals to become their own opportunity-makers. We equip job seekers — from young people and underrepresented entrepreneurs to older workers with the tools and strategies to build and use social capital to advance in careers and life. Our programs don’t just inform; they connect, empower, and create pathways into industries where relationships open doors.
Recognized nationally, SCB stands at the forefront of social capital education as a Black-owned social enterprise. Our mission is simple: close the opportunity gap by rebuilding the ties that matter most.
We invite you to join us. Whether as a client, partner, or supporter, your collaboration can help restore the power of social capital and ensure that more Americans thrive. Reach out at ed@socialcapitalbuilders.com — together, let’s strengthen the connections that build success.
OUR MODEL
Social Capital Literacy
Having the knowledge, confidence, and
competencies to access, develop, and
manage social capital while learning how to
effectively use various skills, tools, and
strategies to grow it.
Social Network Analysis
The skills and knowledge to map opportunity networks and identify patterns of relationships and flows with people, groups, and organizations that can influence economic and employment opportunities.
Social Capital Development
Helping job seekers connect to, and build meaningful, outcome focused
relationships with industry and
community stakeholders.
Community Connected Learning Model
Community Connected Learning (CCL) is a strength-based approach that connects learners to community members and institutions with lived experience and access. It transforms education by turning participants into givers of opportunity through relationship-building and social capital.
GET INVOLVED
Join the Social Capital Smart Program Network
Enrolling in the Social Capital Smart Basic Plan offers comprehensive support for both staff and job seekers:
- 3 Hours of Staff Training: Get started with intensive training sessions designed to equip your team with the fundamentals of social capital.
- Bi-Weekly Staff Coaching: Continue developing your team’s skills with ongoing coaching sessions, ensuring they stay at the forefront of social capital strategies.
- 25 Job Seekers Enrollment in Social Capital Smart: Jumpstart the journey for 25 job seekers, providing them 3 month access to our transformative program.
- 3 Months of Weekly Coaching for Job Seekers, Including AI Coaching Support: Job seekers receive regular personal coaching, supplemented by AI-driven insights, to maximize their social capital development.
- Access to Our Opportunity Pool of Industry Professionals: Open the door to valuable networking opportunities by connecting with our curated pool of industry professionals, sparking the social capital building process for job seekers.
Join us to empower your staff and job seekers with the tools and connections needed for success.