CareerSource Central Florida Opens 2020 Summer Youth Program with Bigger Goals and Desired Impact for Youth Career Journey

CareerSource Central Florida Opens 2020 Summer Youth Program with Bigger Goals and Desired Impact for Youth Career Journey

Orlando, Fla., February 4, 2020 — Aimed at helping young adults train and achieve meaningful careers through talent solutions that ignite potential, CareerSource Central Florida (CSCF) opened its annual Summer Youth Program with a kickoff event on January 29 that highlighted inspirational youth testimonies and valuable contributions of sponsors and partners behind last year’s successful program. The application process is open and students are encouraged to apply through careersourcecentralflorida.com/summer-youth.

“Although CSCF has a year-round youth program for ages 16-24 young adults, CSCF is particularly proud of the work it does each summer – a critical time of the year when youth are searching for something productive to do. Whether students are deciding which college to attend or which career path to choose, CSCF can help.  The impact is increasing every year,” said CSCF Chief Operating Officer Mimi Coenen.

CSCF is targeting 1,500 students to enroll to the 2020 Summer Youth Program with a scholarship funding goal of $250,000.

“In reality, young adults don’t know what career opportunities are available. What are the skills – soft and technical – that they need to get for high demand jobs. The idea of higher education may be daunting to those who finish high school but imagine how much harder it is for those who didn’t graduate or got a GED instead.”

Coenen explained that state and federal funding requirements limit a great number of youth to participate in workforce programs throughout Lake, Sumter, Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties that CSCF serves.

Career Readiness Program Tracks

CSCF’s Summer Youth Program offers three college and career readiness programs designed for students and young professionals ages 16-19 who are beginning their college and career journey.

Each program features exclusive access to industry training, professional internships and other helpful resources to ensure that no student has to make their journey alone.

The Experience track gives students up to five weeks paid internship opportunities in high demand fields while gaining hands-on experience. CSCF partners with local businesses to offer professional internships under the guidance and instructions of their seasoned professionals. Businesses gain summer employment at no cost and the chance to share their knowledge and expertise with their future workforce.

Over 200 Central Florida businesses participated in this track last year, providing invaluable work experiences to aspiring young professionals.

The business application process is also open and local businesses can apply to receive interns at no cost to their business.

The Explore track helps demystify  college as CSCF partners with local state and technical colleges  to help prospective students explore their options and make an informed choice. Students tour local college campuses and explore career options in their field of interest through four to five weeks of classroom training and hands-on projects.

The Accelerate track offers students and aspiring young professionals the ability to gain industry experience and build a marketable resume. CSCF partners with qualified providers for specialized training and exposure to certification opportunities in high demand industries under the instruction of qualified professionals. Students earn stipends for industry certifications and technical milestones in this four to five weeks of training.

Invest and Impact the Leaders of Tomorrow

CSCF collaborates with regional and municipal partners that help them connect youth and businesses all while supporting youth in advancing their skills set and receiving sustainable careers in the future.

“When businesses and community partners invest in youth, we are all preparing tomorrow’s workforce and meeting the needs of Central Florida’s businesses,” said Coenen.

For Central Florida businesses who are interested to make a lasting impact, their donation will be awarded to a student in need of a Summer Youth Program scholarship. CSCF strongly believes in their financial investment that is vital in helping to shape the lives of youth, taking them from learners to earners and aims to serve 100 students who do not meet the federal and state funding requirements or are receiving academic scholarships.

“Every student deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams and achieve their greatest potential. Donations will be awarded to a student in need of a Summer Youth Program Scholarship. CSCF invites individuals or businesses to become a Summer Youth program sponsor and champion Central Florida students and young professionals toward a brighter future.”

For more information about sponsorship, contact 1-800-757-4598 or visit careersourcecentralflorida.com/businesses/find-hire-talent/sponsor-youth/.

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