Mission Statement
At 4th Watch Educational Services, we are committed to empowering individuals and communities through high-quality, accessible vocational/career education.
Founded on the principles of faith, perseverance, and a deep commitment to serving others, we seek to provide transformative learning experiences that open doors to meaningful careers. Inspired by the resilience found in the biblical stories told in the Book of Matthew, referencing the faith and fortitude of the soldiers on the 4th watch.
Through our first school, Machinist Career College, and beyond, we dedicate ourselves to supporting students, industries, and communities at the most critical times, ensuring that hope, opportunity, and prosperity are within reach for all.
Enriching Lives with the power of career-based training and education; successfully preparing the next generation of skilled professionals
About Our Founders
Danielle Skinner and Neeyah Francois are the passionate founders of 4th Watch Educational Services, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming lives through access to quality post-secondary education and training. With decades of experience in education and leadership, Danielle and Neeyah have committed themselves to empowering students, supporting local communities, and meeting the workforce demands of employers across various industries.
Their journey began in 2001 at the University of Phoenix, in Gardena CA as colleagues in entry level roles in the schools financial aid department and reunited 20 years later at NTMA Training Centers, as President and CFO where they both played pivotal roles in its success — Danielle as President and Neeyah as the Director of Finance. Together, they witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of career focused education on students, many of whom overcame significant obstacles to complete training and succeed in their careers. Inspired by the mission of NTMA and motivated by their faith, the duo envisioned an organization that would continue this work with an even broader reach.
At the heart of 4th Watch is a commitment to providing opportunity, hope, and support to individuals who seek to better their futures through education. Danielle and Neeyah chose the name 4th Watch as a reflection of their faith, drawing inspiration from Matthew 14:22-27, which reminds them that even in the most difficult and uncertain moments, perseverance and faith can guide the way forward.
Both leaders bring not only their expertise but also their deep compassion and a sense of purpose to their work. Through 4th Watch Educational Services, Danielle and Neeyah aim to continue changing lives, supporting communities, and building a brighter future for all.
About 4th Watch Educational Services
The primary social mission of 4th Watch Educational Services is to provide underserved individuals with access to high-quality post-secondary education and vocational training that leads to meaningful employment opportunities. We are committed to empowering students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, by offering programs that enhance their skills, boost their employability, and promote economic mobility.
Our mission is driven by a deep belief in the transformative power of education to uplift individuals, strengthen communities, and address workforce needs across industries.
The 4th Watch Business Model
At 4th Watch Educational Services, our mission is deeply woven into every aspect of our business model. We focus on creating programs and services that directly address the educational and workforce development needs of underserved communities. This integration is evident in several key ways:
Student-Centered Program Development
Every program we design is tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals who face barriers to traditional education or career advancement. Whether it’s offering vocational training, certification programs, or providing pathways to higher education, our goal is to ensure that students have access to life-changing opportunities regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Partnerships with Industry and Employers
We actively collaborate with employers and industry leaders to ensure our curriculum aligns with current workforce demands. This allows us to create direct employment pathways for students after graduation, fulfilling both their personal goals and the needs of the job market. These partnerships also enable us to continuously adapt our programs to reflect evolving industry standards, ensuring long-term sustainability for the organization.
Accessible and Affordable Services
To remain true to our social mission, we prioritize accessibility. We structure our programs to be financially attainable for students through scholarships, grants, and sliding-scale tuition models. By reducing financial barriers, we ensure that more individuals can participate in our training programs and access the resources they need to succeed.
Community Impact and Outreach
Our outreach efforts focus on connecting with marginalized communities where access to education and career advancement is limited. Through partnerships with local community organizations, we actively seek out individuals who may benefit from our services. This targeted outreach helps us reach those who need us most and strengthens our ties to the communities we serve.
Supportive Learning Environment
Understanding the challenges many of our student’s face, we provide not only educational programs but also mentorship, life skills training, and career support. This holistic approach ensures that students are not just equipped with technical skills but are also prepared to succeed in the workforce and sustain long-term career growth.
By aligning every aspect of our business operations with our social mission, 4th Watch Educational Services ensures that our impact goes beyond just providing education; it is about creating meaningful, long-term change in the lives of individuals and the communities they are part of.
