CareerSource Central Florida’s Summer Youth Program Empowered Tomorrow’s Leaders Through College Experiences, Professional Internships and Career Training

CareerSource Central Florida’s Summer Youth Program Empowered Tomorrow’s Leaders Through College Experiences, Professional Internships and Career Training

Orlando, Fla., — Through CareerSource Central Florida’s Summer Youth Program, more than 1,500 young adults (ages 15-19) gained exposure to either college experiences or multiple career pathways in high-growth industries, received professional internships, or took part in specialized career training. More than 150 businesses across the region partnered with Florida’s second largest workforce board to host hundreds of young adults and give them invaluable work experience. There were 100 of these young adults who were offered permanent part-time and/or full-time positions.

“We had more young adults participate than ever before, even during such an uncertain time, wanting to explore career options and experience what it means to be an employee, which are critical elements for their career journey,” said Mimi Coenen, Chief Operating Officer, CareerSource Central Florida. “It’s extremely rewarding to see so many of them at this stage of their life making a commitment to be exposed to the career pathways available to them now or in their future. We couldn’t do this important work without our sponsors, our educational partners who provided the training, and the local businesses who served as our internship host sites and simultaneously received these interns at no cost to them – it’s been a win-win all around.”

This year’s Summer Youth Program offered readiness tracks that were designed for students and young professionals beginning their college and career journeys.

• The Explore Track helped demystify college and enabled prospective students to tour Valencia College and Orange Technical College while exploring career options in their field of interest. Students gain exposure to multiple career pathways in high-growth industries while participating in four weeks of classroom training and hands-on projects.
• The Experience Track provided students with a paid internship of up to five weeks in high–demand fields while gaining hands-on experience. Students received training and mentorship from seasoned professionals and learn about team building, financial literacy, work readiness, and more.
• The Accelerate Track offered students the ability to gain industry experience and build a professional resume in four weeks. Through specialized training and exposure to certification programs in high-demand industries under the instruction of qualified professionals, students earned stipends for industry certifications and technical milestones. This year’s programs include coding, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, culinary, construction, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

“The summer program was a positive learning experience on how the workforce industry works,” shared Nailah Brown who participated in the Experience track. “The job has been impactful because it helped me save up money for my senior year, learn more about the esthetician field (which I am interested in), and I met many people that had esthetician class opportunities for me.”

There was a 95% overall satisfaction rate among program participants, and 93% would recommend the program to a fellow student. In addition, more than 140 students opened their first bank account during the program.

Thank You Platinum Sponsors

Addition Financial and Bank of America made financial contributions as Platinum Sponsors of CareerSource Central Florida’s 2021 Summer Youth Program. The generosity of these organizations makes a long-term impact by providing scholarships to local young adults who do not meet the federal guidelines associated with the program.

“We sincerely thank Addition Financial and Bank of America for their generous investments in tomorrow’s leaders,” continued Coenen. “With their financial support, we were able to positively impact the lives of even more young adults in our community though the Summer Youth program, and we extend our appreciation to these valued sponsors.”

For more information about the Summer Youth Program, visit www.CareerSourceCentralFlorida.com.

# # #