Youth & Young Adult Employment

The Foundations youth employment program empowers high school students to explore their interests and build foundational skills in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. Participants gain exposure to new activities across GCYC’s five core program areas: academic success, arts and technology, culinary arts, sports and leadership, and urban agriculture. Through this program, youth are prepared for future opportunities and become their own success stories, all while earning a stipend for their commitment and engagement.

Building on skills gained in the Foundations program, Exploration empowers participants to take a deeper dive into their passions. Youth can earn a stipend or wage while they build industry-recognized skills, secure certifications, and begin creating their own pathways to post-secondary success. These programs help young people confidently explore both academic and career opportunities in fields that are relevant to their interests.

Exploration programs may include opportunities like:

• Shadowing working professionals
• Field trips to colleges and universities
• Externships at partner sites and places of employment
• Field trips to exciting excursions and cultural experiences
• Academic coaching and post-secondary counseling

The Pathways tier empowers young adults to launch their careers through two U.S. Department of Labor-recognized apprenticeships in Urban Farming and Culinary Arts. In these two-year, part-time positions, participants earn an hourly wage while gaining valuable on-the-job training and building a foundation for future success. Upon completing the program, Apprentices are prepared to advance to full-time work or return to school full-time, putting them on a clear path toward a transformative career.