YOUTH PATHWAYS

 
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Youth Pathways is a three-month career exploration program designed to help young adults identify and start a career path that lines up with their skills and interests.

During the program, participants will be given the opportunity to explore local high-demand and growing industries. Participants will also learn workplace skills that have been identified as essential competencies by employers. Some of these skills are attitude and mindset management, verbal and nonverbal communication, and working in multi-generational teams. Participants will also learn the components of a successful job search, including resume writing and interview skills.

The Youth Pathways program will culminate with an eight-week, paid internship at a local business. The internship will give participants the opportunity to earn money and gain experience in a locally growing industry. Every aspect of the program is designed to set participants on a path to success!

start date: TBD

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Participants must be Frederick County residents, not attending school, between the ages of 17 and 24. Priority may be given with one or more of the following barriers to employment:

  • No High School Diploma or GED

  • Possessing one or more disabilities

  • Pregnant or Parenting

  • In Foster Care, or aged out of Foster Care

  • Experiencing Homelessness

  • Justice System connection

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

The Youth Pathways program will involve one-on-one work with a workforce development professional, group interactions in a classroom setting, and an internship in a local business. Through one-on-one coaching and classroom interactions, participants will identify skills and interests and have the chance to explore how those could be used to find a career in a locally growing industry.

We are committed to providing a safe learning environment for all participants in the Youth Pathways program. Instruction may be given in a variety of formats including both virtual and/or in-person lessons. Public Health guidelines will be followed.

While the final schedule is still in development, the tentative schedule is:

Weeks 1-2:

Skills and Interest Assessments, Introduction to locally high-demand industries, Workplace Skills Instruction, Job Search Skills (including resumes and interviews)

Week 3:

Business Tours (tentative)

Weeks 4-5:

Customer Service Training

Week 6:

Individual Goal Setting Meetings and Interviews at Internship Sites

Weeks 7-14:

Paid Internship

At the conclusion of the program participants may be able to access funding for training in high-demand industries.

NEXT STEPS

Learn more

Learn about some of the local high-demand industries that will be explored during the Youth Pathways program.

Interested in participating?

Check back later to complete an interest form for 2023.

Have questions?

Call or text Youth Program Specialist, Teresa King at 240.446.0161 or email tking1@frederickcountymd.gov.