Prosperity
Status Indicator: In Progress |
On Hold |
Complete/Ongoing
Initiative: 1.23 Expand the Youth Works Program to better align youth talent pipeline to business needs
Shared Economic Prosperity
Description
The Durham YouthWorks program is a talent development program that provides training and experience to Durham youth between the ages of 14 and 24. As part of an overall expansion plan to reach the over 1,000 youth submitting applications annually, the program incorporates both virtual and in-person engagements targeting experiences that build workforce capacity and close the skills gap facing Durham youth, specifically focusing on STEM and STEM related career pathways.
Key Measures & Data Analysis
The Youth Works Program 2024 resulted in 528 participants
qualifying for stipends based on their performance and participation in
work-based learning opportunities
Youth Works Participants
Why is it important?
Offering youth opportunities for paid work experiences and career exploration in high-demand industries is crucial for community development. It gives young individuals practical skills, preparing them for the workforce and helps them make informed career choices. By addressing youth unemployment, communities foster economic engagement and contribute to the growth of a skilled workforce. Engaging young people in meaningful work experiences can also fosters civic responsibility, break cycles of poverty, and address workforce gaps in industries facing talent shortages. Moreover, the positive mentoring relationships formed during these experiences have lasting impacts on personal and professional development.
What have we been doing?
The following are some of the accomplishments of the past year:
- Supported the introduction of an innovative approach to work-based learning to build the capacity of the youth talent pipeline.
- Provided financial support to enable the City of Durham to compensate youth engaged in work-based learning to close skills gap and better prepare Durham youth for higher entry-level skill career opportunities.
- Distributed stipends to 528 youth in Summer 2024 program.
- Supported the integration and participation of City Departments in providing 51 in-person placement for Durham Youthworks participants.
What's next?
The following are some of the major accomplishments we are currently working on:
• Launch the virtual workplace and career readiness skills component of Durham YouthWorks 2025.Participants to receive stipends for this virtual
work-based learning training.
• Explore funding and partnership opportunities for continued expansion of Durham YouthWorks work-based learning program
City Website Home Page: Durham, NC | Official Website (durhamnc.gov)
Budget Website Page: Budget & Management Services Department | Durham, NC (durhamnc.gov)
Budget and Management Services Department
Office of Performance and Innovation
Strategy and Performance Division