Project QUEST, Inc. is a nationally recognized community-based economic development program serving San Antonio since 1992. QUEST was initiated by a partnership between the City of San Antonio, the State of Texas, COPS (Communities Organized for Public Service), Metro Alliance, and San Antonio Business Leaders. The creators believed that a well trained workforce is essential for economic development and competitiveness. QUEST helps San Antonio residents overcome barriers such as minimal education, insufficient job skills, and ineffective support systems. To date QUEST has served 8,200 adults with a high graduation rate of 80%, a 91% job placement and 90% retention rate. Participants make on average $10,000 a year before entering QUEST and after graduation they make average $40,000 the first year.