This paper describes an innovative public and private strategic workforce development alliance, the Pathways to Employment Program (Pathways), developed by the Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) in Charlotte, North Carolina. Pathways is a partnership of CPCC, the Charlotte Department of Social Services, 12 community businesses, 6 social service agencies and several faith-based organizations. The Pathways partners share resources and costs in meeting the educational and employment needs of the rapidly growing population of adults with multiple barriers to educational and occupational opportunity. These barriers include limited English proficiency, low income, low basic or precollege skills, and no vocational skills. The program provides students with the occupational skills needed to be successful in today's workforce, and assists in placing them in high-demand jobs. All partners of the Pathways strategic workforce development alliance share the costs of running the program with cash or in-kind contributions. Student case management and referral services are provided by 10 community social service and faith-based partners.