Town Hall South: Bill Strickland

For thirty years, Bill Strickland has used his innovative arts and training centers to transform the lives of thousands of impoverished adults and teenagers. His message of self-worth inspires audiences. Former eBay president Jeff Skoll describes Strickland as a “Genius, because he sees the inherent genius in everyone.” A Pittsburgh native, Strickland was inspired by his high school art teacher and eventually created the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild.

As a result of his success, in 1971, Strickland was asked to assume leadership of the Bidwell Training Center and guide its transition to providing relevant skills. Today, Manchester Bidwell Corporation has evolved into a national model for education, culture, and hope. The model works so well that he is replicating the Manchester Bidwell enterprise throughout the country.