In a research published by Duke University, the research asserts that gaining work experience while in high school, and then later in college, leads to higher wages than simply accumulating more years of experience. Participants in the study stressed that higher wages were the combination of education and experience.
In comparison to youth in higher income household, youth from low-income households and disadvantaged communities are still faced with barriers to career training and often have little to no access to career resources. Low-income youth lacked the social network would provide access to internships and other career development opportunities. To help fill this gap, the BELT program will specifically target low-income youth between the ages of 14-21 for our youth employment and leadership program.
Our Approach:
Leadership Training- We believe that building self-efficacy in youth would lead success not only on the job but in life. With many of our program participants lacking mentors and role models in their lives, the first step in our program will be the establishment of a leadership program. Participants will go through at 12-weeks, that will focus on self- confidence building, teamwork, and communication.
Professional Development- Participants in this program will undergo professional skills training such as mock interviews, resume building, professional dress, workplace expectations, networking, workplace etiquette, etc. Participants in the program will attend two days of orientation ( spread over two weekends) to help them prepare for internship opportunities.
Mentoring-We will pair participants with mentors in their area of interest to establish an ongoing relationship that would have a positive impact of mentees.
Employers-We will work with employers to place youth in positions that will help them learn basic skills and expose participants to new areas of opportunities.
In comparison to youth in higher income household, youth from low-income households and disadvantaged communities are still faced with barriers to career training and often have little to no access to career resources. Low-income youth lacked the social network would provide access to internships and other career development opportunities. To help fill this gap, the BELT program will specifically target low-income youth between the ages of 14-21 for our youth employment and leadership program.
Our Approach:
Leadership Training- We believe that building self-efficacy in youth would lead success not only on the job but in life. With many of our program participants lacking mentors and role models in their lives, the first step in our program will be the establishment of a leadership program. Participants will go through at 12-weeks, that will focus on self- confidence building, teamwork, and communication.
Professional Development- Participants in this program will undergo professional skills training such as mock interviews, resume building, professional dress, workplace expectations, networking, workplace etiquette, etc. Participants in the program will attend two days of orientation ( spread over two weekends) to help them prepare for internship opportunities.
Mentoring-We will pair participants with mentors in their area of interest to establish an ongoing relationship that would have a positive impact of mentees.
Employers-We will work with employers to place youth in positions that will help them learn basic skills and expose participants to new areas of opportunities.
