Learning, Growing and Succeeding in a Career
In a few short months a new crop of emerging adults will graduate from high school
to begin their next adventure. What an exciting time, the closing of one chapter and
the opening of the next. For many, college or another form of postsecondary
education is as natural next step. College can and should be a great experience that
has the potential to lead to a satisfying and often lucrative career. Unfortunately too
many students who begin college will not finish. Various reasons such as a lack of
clarity about the future, academic or cultural challenges, or a lack of resources that
leads to large debt all contribute to them not finishing.
I loved my college experience. I was twice as old as the other students and
incredibly eager to be there. I had twenty years of work experience which provided
me with insights and perspective. One of my pre-degree jobs in the computer
industry allowed me to learn new things every day, at times it seemed like every
moment. That experience helped me understand the value of being ready and open
to learning new things. It also solidified the concept that learning doesn't just belong
in the classroom, but can and should happen everywhere. Which frames my belief
that we should help young people understand the value of embracing lessons in
every environment, whether it be school, on the job, in our homes or in
relationships.
Many students graduating from high school without a post-secondary education
plan are not aware of the variety of satisfying and rewarding career paths available.
"Progressive pathways," such as apprenticeships, accelerated training programs or
Career Pathways, such as the YJC's Auto Maintenance & Repair training program
also require ongoing learning and lead to well-paid jobs with career advancement
opportunities.
The YJC is focused on helping youth transition out of high school into progressive
pathways and offering options to youth so they can carve out their path in a way
that fits best for them. And with the hope that it sets them up for a lifetime of
learning and growing.
As spring approaches, the YJC welcomes young people to explore the variety of
options that exist as they graduate high school and step into adulthood.
Still my favorite quote...
"You find your path by walking it"
--Maya Angelou
Karen T. Demorest
Executive Director
2015 Annual Report
I'm excited to share with you our annual report for 2015: YJC 2015 Annual Report
We are proud of the work that our team does every day in partnership with our
schools and in the community.
Every young person we work with is unique, and as a result, every success story is
unique. Behind the numbers you will read about in this report is a young person's life
that has been impacted - whether through the job readiness training we provide, a
referral to a job, a referral to a homeless shelter or medical care, or successful
graduation from one of our Career Pathways programs.
Summer Corps
For many years, the YJC has provided summer job opportunities to high school
students in partnership with District 65, Evanston Public Library and the YMCA.
This year, the YJC's Summer Tutors program and other summer employment
opportunities for high school students will be incorporated into the new YJC
Summer Corps. As part of the larger High School program, this new structure
provides high school students with a variety of job opportunities, including Summer
Tutors and ABC Boosters, but also Junior Camp Counselors, corporate internships
and This Way Ahead, summer internship opportunities through The Gap retail
stores.
Research from a December 2013 report from Northeastern University shows that a
first positive job experience sets a positive trajectory for youth, increasing wages
over a lifetime and reducing the likelihood of unemployment. These positions, which
range from tutoring to retail to a corporate experience, provide youth the opportunity
to earn wages and develop the soft skills that are critical for success on the job:
including workplace expectations, professionalism, and communications.
As part of Summer Corps, the Summer Tutors and ABC Boosters programs support
young children's learning with personalized individual tutoring by high school
students. In addition to providing the benefit of working, these programs help give
younger students the support necessary to be more successful in school.
Congratulations to all the past Summer Tutors participants who undoubtedly had a
lasting impact on the younger children they supported through this program.
YJC Annual Gala - March 5, 2016
The YJC's annual Gala will be held at Venue SIX10 in Chicago on March 5, 2016.
Join us for this fun event as we celebrate the work and accomplishments of the
young people we serve. Register online at youthjobcenter.org or call 847-864-5627.