Career Development – Empowering our Teens for Future Success
Our Career Development programs are designed to help our teens explore career paths, develop essential skills, and prepare for both post-secondary education and successful careers. By offering a variety of hands-on experiences, we guide our members as they build the foundation for their futures, whether they choose to enter the workforce or pursue further education.
Key Programs:
CareerLaunch
CareerLaunch is a comprehensive program that helps teens ages 13 to 18 assess their skills and interests, explore different careers, and make informed decisions about their educational and career paths. Through individual and small group sessions, Club staff or volunteers work with teens to enhance their job-search skills and job readiness using the CareerLaunch Facilitator Guide. The program also provides online career exploration, college, and job search resources, along with interactive activities. Additionally, teens have the opportunity to engage in mentoring, job shadowing, and training, all aimed at helping them build a strong foundation for their future careers.
Money Matters: Make it Count
Money Matters: Make it Count teaches teens valuable financial literacy skills, including how to set goals, budget, save, and invest. In addition to staff-led financial education sessions, teens can practice their decision-making skills through fun, engaging digital tools and games. By completing the program, teens gain practical financial management skills, including how to save money and stick to a budget—skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Diplomas2Degrees (d2D)
Diplomas2Degrees (d2D) is a college readiness program that supports teens as they work toward high school graduation and prepare for post-secondary education and career success. d2D helps teens set both short- and long-term goals, while familiarizing them with college life through experiences like college tours. The program also assists our teens in navigating financial aid options and fosters relationships with adult mentors who offer valuable guidance and support throughout the college journey.
Transfr VR
Transfr VR is an innovative virtual reality platform that offers immersive learning experiences for teens in grades 6 through 12. The career exploration simulations give students a first-hand look at the daily tasks in various careers, helping them determine if a particular occupation is the right fit for them. Additionally, skills-based simulations help learners gain confidence and competence in specific job tasks, preparing them for well-paying careers in high-growth industries.
Career Field Trips and Post-Secondary Experiences
We believe that exposure to real-world career environments is key to career development. That’s why we organize career field trips in collaboration with local businesses and community partners. These trips allow our teens to see firsthand the skills required for different professions and the educational paths that lead to success. We also take then on college tours to local universities and colleges, including Florida Southwestern State College, Florida Gulf Coast University, and more, to help them explore post-secondary options and make informed decisions about their futures.
Through these career development programs, our teens gain valuable insight into their interests, build essential skills, and take significant steps toward their future careers. By providing practical, hands-on experiences, we prepare them for success in the workforce and in higher education.
Teen Work-Based Learning Program – Empowering Teens for Tomrrow’s Workforce
The Teen Work-Based Learning (WBL) program is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world skills, ensuring that high school members are well-prepared for successful careers or further education. Our comprehensive programs offer hands-on experiences that enhance students’ abilities, build their confidence, and equip them with the essential skills for the future.
Key Focus Areas:
- Skills Development: Our programs focus on building both soft and hard skills required in the workplace. Our high school teens will gain valuable experience in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and technical competencies that are vital for their success in any professional setting.
- Career Exploration: We offer members a chance to explore various career paths through practical experiences, helping them to identify their interests and strengths, while developing a clearer understanding of potential career opportunities.
- College Readiness: In addition to preparing our teens for their future careers, we also focus on instilling the professionalism and work ethic needed to succeed in higher education. This includes introducing them to career-related coursework and certifications, ensuring they are ready for the challenges of post-secondary education.
Programs:
Kitchen to Career
Our Kitchen to Career program is an innovative curriculum designed to equip students with essential culinary skills while integrating the key soft skills needed in today’s workforce. This hands-on program focuses on cooking techniques, food safety, and kitchen management, ensuring members receive comprehensive training in the culinary arts. In addition to these technical skills, the curriculum also emphasizes communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership—skills that are essential for any professional environment. Our teens have the opportunity to earn a Food Handler Certification and the Florida Ready to Work Certification as they prepare for careers in the culinary industry.
Classroom Education
Our Classroom Education program is designed to provide our high school members with essential skills while integrating important soft skills necessary for success in education and child development. Through this program, our members gain practical experience in classroom management, lesson planning, teamwork, communication, and creativity. They develop a deeper understanding of the educational field and are given the chance to earn their DCF 45-Hour Certification, a valuable credential for those pursuing careers in education or child development. We are also flexible with our teens schedules, ensuring they can fully benefit from the program while balancing other commitments.
Introducely Entrepreneurship – Kicking Off This Summer!
Introducely is an exciting, hands-on, online internship designed for high school members to build and manage a real e-commerce business while learning key entrepreneurial skills. This program offers valuable, credible real-world work experience as students run a money-generating school enterprise, integrated with a business, marketing, and entrepreneurial curriculum. Our members will learn essential skills in entrepreneurship, including how to start and manage a successful business, marketing and e-commerce strategies for attracting and retaining customers, financial literacy in pricing, budgeting, and managing revenue, and soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Introducely equips our teens with the knowledge and confidence to tackle the challenges of running a business, developing a strong entrepreneurial mindset that will set them up for success in both business and beyond.
Through our Teen Work-Based Learning Program, our youth gain valuable hands-on experience, industry certifications, and the soft skills needed to succeed in both their careers and further education. These opportunities not only prepare them for the workforce but also inspire confidence and a sense of purpose as they embark on their futures.