Summer career readiness program expands to serve more youth

Nonprofit

Apr 23

From left to right Chasity Fedon and Alysa Hoy

A six-week summer program is expanding to provide more West Michigan youth with a blend of career preparation opportunities. Facilitated by Ascend at West Michigan Works!, the Summer Youth Career Readiness Program includes real-world work experience, career exploration, problem-solving in the workplace, and soft skills training. Due to previous high demand, Ascend has nearly doubled the program's enrollment cap to ensure more youth can participate.

The Summer Youth Career Readiness Program runs for six weeks, June 23 to August 1, and is open to youth ages 14 to 24 across Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties. Applications are being accepted through May 5. Participants are compensated $14 per hour for their time in the program.

At the core of the Summer Youth Career Readiness Program is the in-person summer work experience, where participants are matched in roles that align closely with their career interests.

"Summer Youth Career Readiness Program lays a strong foundation for future careers by combining paid, real-world work experience with essential skills training," said Chad Patton, Director of Development and Innovation, West Michigan Works! "By expanding access across counties, we're making sure more youth can explore career paths and gain the support they need to succeed."

Beyond the in-person work environment, the Summer Youth Career Readiness Program features online training to enhance participants' employability. Acknowledging the digital divide, Ascend Youth Services is committed to supporting all participants who might not have access to the internet or the necessary technology, ensuring that no one is left out due to a lack of resources.

The Youth Career Readiness Program is structured to include a 20-hour weekly commitment from participants, including virtual WorkREADY training during the program's first week.

Chasity Fedon participated in the Youth Career Readiness Program last summer. After a successful six-week work experience, Fedon was hired at Ionia Smoothie Company.

"I was incredibly overwhelmed when trying to find a first job, because I had no idea where to start or what to expect," said Fedon. "However, that stress dwindled throughout the process of completing the program. I learned a lot about proper workplace habits that I still use in my everyday life. Taking part in this program was one of the best decisions I could have made, and I hope others will participate in it as well."

For more information, visit https://www.westmiworks.org/job-seekers/achieve-a-better-brighter-future/youth/youth-career-readiness-program/