CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- The University of Virginia's Pipelines and Pathways program officially launched Monday.

The program not only allows the university to get more employees, but it also allows it to serve the community.

"Part of UVA's overall mission is to be a great neighbor and a good community partner," Vice President of Human Resources at UVA John Kosky said.  

President Jim Ryan kickstarted the program. The pipeline is training for a job and the pathway is upward mobility once you have it.

"We can provide probably every opportunity that anyone would want,” said Janet Turner-Giles, Director of Talent Flexibility at UVA.

The first participant, Salih Mohammad Wafa, is doing just that. He emigrated to Charlottesville from Afghanistan five years ago and has worked in the ITS Department as a classroom support technician for the past four months.

"I'm lucky to be there in that role, to be helping professors with their problems is a great opportunity for me. I'm not only working there, I'm also learning,” Wafa said.

He said he's also become part of the community. Charlottesville Vice-Mayor Juandiego Wade, who serves on the Pipelines and Pathways committee, said community impact is the main goal.

"Having meaningful employment and a decent salary is just essential to everyone's well-being. The University of Virginia is the largest employer in this area, and they play a big role in that,” Wade said.