GOING ALL THE WAY WITH SKILLS CITY, USA: How Students Are Learning the Power of Training, Travel, and Transformation.

GOING ALL THE WAY WITH SKILLS CITY, USA: How Students Are Learning the Power of Training, Travel, and Transformation.

FORT WORTH, TEXAS — In the heart of the historic Morningside community, a unique workforce initiative is quietly transforming lives—one skill at a time. Under the leadership of Pastor Kyev Tatum, Skills City, USA has become more than a training program. It’s a launchpad for purpose, healing, and hope.

For decades, Pastor Tatum has worked across all educational levels—from elementary classrooms to university lecture halls—helping students sharpen their abilities, expand their opportunities, and discover their worth. His legacy includes time spent training students at the University of North Texas, Texas Woman’s University, Texas State University, and Texas Preparatory School, among others. But he says there’s something profoundly different about the students enrolled in Skills City, USA.

A graduate of the College of Public Affairs and Community Service at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, community service is in his blood.

“These students are rebuilding their lives,” says Tatum. “They’re not just learning new skills—they’re rediscovering themselves.”

Empowered Through Experience.

Students are referred to Skills City, USA through Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County’s Community Work Experience Program (CWEP). In addition to workforce training, each participant commits to community service—giving back while they move forward.

From Azle to Avenue J, participants come from diverse walks of life with one thing in common: a desire to do better. At Skills City, that desire is nurtured through a holistic learning environment powered by the New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church campus.

Through the “University of Travel” concept, students have toured Texas Christian University to explore higher education pathways, visited the Transforming Lives Center to witness the power of second chances, and worked on community history projects—including documenting forgotten WWII veterans at a local cemetery in preparation for Veterans Day. Their training goes beyond the classroom—it includes cooking meals for neighbors in need, assisting with auto repairs, planning for back to school bash, and serving local faith leaders.

Skills in Action, Purpose in Motion.

“Our curriculum isn’t just technical—it’s transformational,” says Tatum. “We combine workforce development with purpose-driven community engagement. That’s what makes Skills City different.”

From walking through historic cemeteries to cooking for a cause, students are learning that skills development is about more than making a living—it’s about making a difference.

Join the Movement

As Skills City, USA grows, so does the need for support. Your contribution can help provide training resources, expand community service projects, traveling expenses and open doors for more students to reach their full potential.

To get involved or make a donation:

Contact: Pastor Kyev Tatum at (817) 966-7625

Email: kptatum1@gmail.com

Zelle donations to: newmtrosembc@gmail.com

Together, we can go all the way with Skills City, USA—equipping individuals not just with tools for the job, but with purpose for life.