We connect San Antonians to emerging careers in healthcare, manufacturing and trades, and information technology. Our nationally recognized workforce and skills training program has helped thousands find amazing in-demand careers. With wrap-around services that can include rental assistance, scholarships, job interview prep, funds for tuition and books, and more, our workforce program has one of the highest completion rates in the country. We strengthen the economy and transform lives by preparing individuals for in demand, living-wage careers.


5 Basic Eligibility Requirements

  1. 18 years of age or older
  2. Committed to train in an in-demand career field
  3. Obtained High School Diploma or GED, or interested in obtaining GED (we will refer you to one of our partners)
  4. US Citizen, Legal Resident or Eligible to Work in the United States
  5. Committed to work in San Antonio or surrounding area once training is complete.

Project QUEST

800 Quintana Rd, Bldg. 8

San Antonio, Texas 78211

Front Entrance and Parking face 203 Norton Street.

Phone: (210) 630-4690

Francisco Martinez (left)

1,200 women lost their jobs, when the Levi Strauss factory closed on San Antonio’s southwest side in January 1990. What could have become a story of economic devastation instead became the foundation for one of the nation’s most respected workforce development programs. Community residents, the organization COPS/Metro Alliance, faith leaders, business leaders including Tom Frost of Frost Bank and Charles Cheever of Broadway Bank, alongside the City of San Antonio and newly elected Mayor Nelson Wolff, came together with a bold vision. From that collaboration, Project QUEST was born.


Today, under the leadership of President and CEO Francisco Martinez, Project QUEST serves as a powerful intermediary connecting adults to education and training that leads to life-changing careers. Since officially launching in 1992, the organization has helped individuals gain access to high-demand fields such as healthcare, skilled trades, manufacturing, and information technology.


Project QUEST has approximately 54 employees serving 2,600 individuals each year who partner with leading institutions including the Alamo Colleges District, University of Texas at San Antonio, University of the Incarnate Word, Our Lady of the Lake University, and private training providers such as Galen College of Nursing and CDL training schools.

Over the past 32 years, Project QUEST has served more than 15,000 individuals. Their outcomes are remarkable: an 80% completion rate and a 90% job placement rate. Graduates enter careers that provide stability and upward mobility. Commercial Driver’s License holders can earn $55,000 to $60,000 annually with benefits. Registered nurses earn significantly more. Journeyman plumbers and electricians can make up to $23 per hour with clear career pathways ahead.


Project QUEST provides wraparound support including help with rent, utilities, and childcare. They work diligently to maximize grants, scholarships, and financial aid so that students graduate with little to no debt. The goal is simple but powerful: remove barriers so adults can focus on completing their education and securing a sustainable career. Their intake process carefully evaluates each student’s educational background, including high school completion, any prior career training and college credits. Many participants have attempted education before and some are starting later in life.


Project QUEST also works with formerly incarcerated individuals and second-chance employers. By studying each participant’s background early in the process, Project QUEST helps determine realistic and attainable career pathways. In a city like San Antonio—where many employers are willing to look beyond past mistakes—this approach creates opportunity where others might see obstacles.


Project QUEST is about restoring hope, dignity, and empowerment. For more information or to donate, call (210) 630-4690 or visit www.questsa.org.