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.

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 461 youth in Summer 2023 program.
• Supported the integration and participation of City Departments in providing in-person placement for Durham Youthworks participants.