Career Jumpstart! – Pilot

In the summer of 2021, DOL and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), in partnership with six faith-based organizations in the New York City area, focused on community-based intervention and prevention to break the cycle of violence.

Partnering organizations supported career exploration, readiness, and life skills development of 128 youth (ages 14-24). For four weeks, youth were engaged in 36 hours of empowering activities, discussions, and explorations regarding the world of work.

Noteworthy components of the 2021 pilot program model were:

• Community Involvement – The program model included a Community & Me component, underscoring the commitment of the community members to support youth development with contributions of resources, and wisdom through speakers from a variety of professions.
• Program Staff Involvement – Site coordinators at the faith-based organizations were critical to ensuring effective implementation of the program with lunch, stipends, and community involvement.
• Youth-Centered Activities – Youth activities were specifically designed for the program by the NYSDOL Youth and Young Adults Team. NYSDOL staff from Career Centers in the NYC area traveled to the organizations and offered workshops with positive youth development strategies. In addition, they also took the initiative to adapt the suggested activities based on the interests, learning styles, and context of the youth.
• Group Events and Celebrations – Events such as dress for success, mock interview panels, elevator pitch, show & tell, job search jeopardy, vision board presentations, and more were facilitated by staff and created controlled environments for youth to build leadership and team-building skills.
• Peer Interactions and Incentives – Youth not only engaged in programs for peer connection, but also for sheer fun and practical learning.

During the program, youth were given opportunities to learn about careers and start developing plans for their future.

Supportive adults utilizing Positive Youth Development principles engaged with youth to help them gain confidence about their career success. The site coordinators also learned about ways they can bring career exploration and development with the youth in their community. The directors and staff at the sites stressed the importance of the program to engage the youth.

As a result of Career Jumpstart!, some youth have started volunteering at various organizations to continue their journey of building essential skills and becoming career-ready.