More than 850 young adults complete CareerSource Central Florida’s summer youth program

Nearly double the participant rate year-over-year

From CareerSource

Aimed to build bright futures for the leaders of tomorrow with unique opportunities to explore colleges, exposure to growing industries and mentorships with highly qualified professionals, CareerSource Central Florida’s (CSCF) Summer Youth Program served nearly 900 young adults this year – almost double the participation rate from the previous year. More than 200 businesses across CSCF’s five-county region partnered with the talent solutions agency to host hundreds of internships and provide invaluable work experience. By the end of the summer, nearly $1.4 million dollars in earned wages was generated and more than 70 participants were offered permanent positions.

CSCF’s summer program empowered tomorrow’s leaders through three dynamic paths – Experience, Explorer and Accelerator – which were strategically crafted to set young adults on the right course to success, whether it is choosing the right college or preparing for a career.

“We were super pleased with CSCF’s Summer Youth Program and the students that came to the Orlando Police Department. They were professional, courteous and hard-working,” declared Georgeanna Butler, Neighborhood & Business Watch Specialist, City of Orlando Police Department.

CSCF also collaborated with local educational institutions to host college tours and equip young adults with hands-on training for careers in high-growth industries such as advanced manufacturing, hospitality, and healthcare. Training partners included Lake Technical College, Orange Technical College, Osceola Technical College, and Valencia College.

Experiential learning provided insights to new career opportunities for some participants and others reassurance of career aspirations. “During the program, I was unclear about whether or not to pursue medicine after high school; but after visiting the Orlando Campus at Lake Tech, I discovered that medicine was indeed the path for me,” stated Ania Davis, CSCF Summer Youth Program participant.

Helping thousands discover and achieve their career goals is CSCF’s commitment and due to the support of local municipalities and contributions from philanthropists, more than $165,000 was invested in the program this summer. Registration for CSCF’s 2020 Summer Youth Program will open in January.

“There is strong demand to not only develop a skilled pipeline of talent but to expose young adults to careers they may have never thought of pursuing,” said Mimi Coenen, Chief Operating Officer. “Through this program, we are making a direct, positive impact for local youth as well as area businesses who benefit from CSCF scholarships, but most importantly, from helping young adults prepare for a brighter future.”

Even though summer is officially over, CSCF has a year-round youth program with services to help students obtain a high school diploma/GED, develop soft skills, learn job-ready skills and much more. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend a weekly discovery session at one of CSCF’s five career center locations or visit www.CareerSourceCentralFlorida.com/career-services/tailoredservices/youth/ for more information.