As we approach the end of the year, many people look for meaningful ways to give back. For Project JumpStart (PJSI), one of the most powerful forms of support comes from an unexpected place: unused cars, trucks, vans, and work vehicles sitting in driveways, garages, and company lots.
Through JumpStart WHEELS, PJSI’s vehicle-donation initiative, those unused vehicles become something far more impactful — a lifeline to stable employment, higher income, and long-term career success for Baltimore residents entering the skilled trades.
Why Transportation Matters in Workforce Development
Transportation is one of the biggest barriers facing new tradespeople in Baltimore.
Our graduates enter careers that require early start times, travel between jobsites, and reliability from day one. For someone without a car, even the best job opportunity can become out of reach.
That’s where JumpStart WHEELS steps in.
By donating a car, truck, SUV, van, or piece of work-related equipment, you’re not just clearing out space — you’re giving a graduate the ability to:
- Arrive on time and ready to work
- Access higher-paying jobs that require travel
- Support their family with stable, full-time employment
- Build long-term self-sufficiency in the construction industry
Reliable transportation is often the difference between getting hired and staying employed. A donated vehicle can be life-changing.
A Direct, High-Impact Way to Give
Unlike many donation programs, JumpStart WHEELS is intentionally simple and community-centered.
- Vehicles go directly to PJSI graduates who need transportation for work
- Contractors and local companies can donate fleet vehicles or equipment
- Individuals can donate any working vehicle — cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, even work trailers or similar tools
- All donations are tax-deductible for the 2025 calendar year if completed before December 31
Every donation strengthens Baltimore’s workforce, creates stability for families, and supports local contractors who rely on dependable entry-level talent.
Success Stories in Action
Over the years, many PJSI graduates have moved into sustainable careers thanks to WHEELS donations. One graduate described receiving a vehicle as “the moment everything changed” — suddenly they could accept jobs farther from home, pick up overtime, and build their career without worrying about how to get to the jobsite.
That ripple effect doesn’t just benefit the graduate. It impacts their children, their neighborhood, and the contractors they work alongside.
A Win-Win for Donors and the Community
Donating a vehicle before year’s end offers clear benefits:
- Immediate tax deduction
- Easy pick-up and processing
- A direct impact on Baltimore’s trades workforce
- A meaningful alternative to selling or storing unused equipment
For contractors with aging fleet vehicles, or for individuals upgrading their personal car, JumpStart WHEELS is a high-impact way to make a difference right here in our city.
How to Donate Before December 31
Whether you’re an individual or a company, donating is simple:
- Email info@jumpstarttraining.org with your vehicle details
- A PJSI team member will walk you through the quick intake process
- We’ll coordinate pick-up, transfer, and all tax documentation
- You’ll directly support a student transitioning into a full-time trades career
Before the year ends, consider giving something that carries someone forward — literally.
Give a Vehicle. Change a Career. Build Baltimore’s Workforce.
If you have a car, truck, van, SUV, or work vehicle you no longer need, JumpStart WHEELS is the perfect way to put it to purpose.
A vehicle donation today becomes a jobsite arrival tomorrow… and a lifelong career ahead.To get started, check out the page here https://projectjumpstarttraining.org/jumpstart-wheels/