FROM EXPLORATION TO EMPLOYMENT:
A SCALABLE YOUTH WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MODEL
Focus: Career Readiness Programs & Employer Engagement Strategies
Client: Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
Role: Internal Project Lead (Senior Staff)
Service Area: Program Design | Community Engagement | Operational Strategy
Duration: Multi-year
Over the course of several years, I partnered with the largest youth intermediary in Philadelphia, PA to engage the private sector in strategic, long-term engagement and investment in youth and young adults.
These initiatives helped employers move from ad hoc engagement to intentional talent cultivation. It also demonstrated how chambers and workforce organizations can serve as conveners of cross-sector partnerships that benefit young workers, business, and the regional economy.
Youth and young adults in under-resourced communities faced limited access to career readiness programs, career pathways, and career-connected learning. At the same time, employers lacked coordinated youth workforce development strategies and employer engagement tools to invest in early talent. These gaps were further compounded by the disruptions of COVID-19.
Led a multi-year, citywide youth workforce development initiative to engage employers and community partners in building a coordinated early talent ecosystem. Efforts included designing career readiness programs, developing employer engagement strategies and toolkits, and convening cross-sector leadership. Programming was adapted to virtual formats to ensure continued access and alignment with evolving workforce needs.
Engaged 160+ employers annually through targeted employer engagement strategies and connected over 8,000 youth to career readiness programs, career pathways, and meaningful work experiences. Strengthened alignment between youth workforce development efforts and regional economic goals. Maintained program continuity during the pandemic and established a foundation for sustained, employer-led investment in early talent development.
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