The YMCA Teen Workforce Development Program is a local pilot initiative based in Philadelphia and Camden, NJ, designed to support teens from 9th grade through high school graduation as they gain essential career skills, financial literacy, and social-emotional support to become career-ready. Through hands-on learning, career exposure, and resilience-building, the program prepares teens for future success by equipping them with real-world experiences. During this program, participants can apply for summer jobs at the YMCA and pursue internships or externships with YMCA Employer Partners, providing valuable on-the-job training to complement their development. Meeting times and dates vary by school location and will feature engaging activities like industry visits and career mentoring sessions.
Program Details
Teens must meet the following requirements to be considered and enrolled in the program:
- In the 9th Grade
- Enrolled in High School
- Committed to a 3.5-year program
Program Overview
During this program, participants will receive the following programming during the following academic years:
9th Grade
- Career Assessment & Exposure
- Applying for Work Permits
- Social Emotional Skill Development: Time Management and Organization, Collaboration and Communication, Active Listening, Stress Management and Mental Health, Goal-Setting and Self-Reflection
- Financial Literacy Basics
- Professional Development: Workplace Etiquette and Dress, Networking, Crafting Your Elevator Pitch, Digital Literacy, Professionalism, and Technical Use
- YMCA Service-Learning Project
- Job Shadowing Opportunities with YMCA Employer Partners
10th Grade
- Career Assessment & Exposure
- Continued Social Emotional Skill Development
- Continued Professional Development
- Financial Literacy Intermediate I
- Career Panel: Non-Traditional & Philadelphia-based Career Pathways
- Career Coach/Mentor
- Y Super Day: Summer Job Opportunities at the Y & Y Partners (Camp, Swim, Sports)
11th Grade
- Summer Placement Reflection
- Continued Social Emotional Skill Development
- Continued Professional Development
- Financial Literacy Intermediate II
- Winter Career Institute
- Networking
- Mock Interviews
- Career Panels & Workshops
- Summer Internship Planning
- Continued Career Coaching
- Summer Internship Placements with Y Employer Partners
12th Grade
- Career Action Plan
- Certificate Programs
- Trade School
- College
- Job
- Continued Social Emotional Development
- Continued Professional Development
- Financial Literacy Advanced
- Continued Career Coach Support
- Y Part-Time Job
- Y Workforce Development Alumni
Volunteer Opportunities
Want to be involved in the Teen Workforce development program in one of these three roles?
- Job Shadowing
- Career Coach
- Summer Internship/Externship
Use the form below to be part of this impactful program.