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.

Durham YouthWorks has been conducting research into comparative programs across North Carolina and the country.  Using feedback from the Summer 2021, Summer 2022, and Summer 2023 programs, staff identified key program operation areas requiring structural and system realignment to increase the effectiveness of the program delivery.