Workready 2009 Report

More Than A Summer Job: WorkReady 2009 Report The Philadelphia Youth Network is the managing partner of WorkReady Philadelphia and contracts with several dozen youth-serving organizations to operate WorkReady programs on behalf of the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board and its Council for College and Career Success.

The WorkReady Philadelphia employer recruitment partners are:

2 Table of Contents

Overview 4 Data Summary 4 System Diagram 5 Program Models 6 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 8 Funders & Supporters 12 Contracted Providers 14 Community Service 16 Green Jobs 16 Worksite Data 18 In the News 20 Central Enrollment Center 22 Youth Satisfaction Survey Results 24 Closing Celebration 26

Proﬁ les

Aaron Williams 7 Aminah Tolbert 9

Youth Edwin Rosario 11 Kiyla Armstead, Darrell Bell, Naaimah Johnson, Adio Wilkins 15 Justin Crosby-Diggs 19 Kristina Kim 21 Mehran Chugtar 23 Christopher Christian, Kebeh Kpou, Farrad McLaughlin 25

3 Overview orkReady Philadelphia is the City’s comprehensive approach to youth workforce development. Since its Wfounding in 2003, the initiative’s efforts have leveraged funds from a variety of sources to significantly expand available opportunities for Philadelphia’s youth. The WorkReady Philadelphia system aligns the efforts of the private sector, government, the School District of Philadelphia, foundations and community-based organizations to provide career preparation, academic enrichment, college exposure and work readiness training for youth ages 14-24, through year-round and summer-only programs. Report This summer, WorkReady benefited from the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), also known as the “stimulus package,” which allocated funds for youth employment. As a result, more young people than ever were able to participate in a WorkReady experience. ARRA also increased the maximum age of the youth served through WorkReady from 21 to 24.

During Summer 2009, WorkReady Philadelphia programs provided 8,500 young people throughout the Philadelphia region with six weeks of high-quality, work-related experiences. The work environments where youth participants were placed were incredibly diverse, ranging from universities to museums to corporate offices. In addition to being exposed to the world of work, youth were able to gain skills, explore careers and connect with positive adults. When young people learn how to become better employees, entrepreneurs and leaders, we are all better off as a City and as a society.

WorkReady Philadelphia is more than a set of programs. It is a broad system and an effective investment vehicle. It is a powerful representation of an unwavering commitment to youth and to the educational and economic success of the region. This report provides participation data, personal accounts and system-wide information from WorkReady Summer 2009.

Summary Total Youth Ethnicity* Served: Average Black/African-American 75% Attendance: Hispanic 11% 8,500 Caucasian 4% 88% Asian 3% Data Bi-Racial/Multi-Racial 2% Other 2%

*3% of youth did not report their ethnicity Sum of Gross Wages:

Gender $6,108,159 Number Female 54% of Worksites: Male 46% 1,154 Worksite Type Non-Proﬁ t 50% Youth That Private/For Proﬁ t 33% Total summer Government Agency 17% Earned Academic system applications Credit: received: 16,450 3,451 (71% of eligible participants)

4 Diagram System

Youth Access Points Contracted Providers Schools / Student Success Centers WorkReady Hotline and Website Youth Development Initiative

Year-Round Summer Programs Programs

Shadowing 21st Century Work & Service Days Skills Learning Learning

Continuum $ WIA

9th - 10th Grade 11th - 12th grade Ages 14-15 $ TANF/CITY/ARRA

$ STATE (RCEP)/PRIVATE $ STATE Ages 14 – 24 $ SDP/TANF/CITY/ARRA

3 Industry E Centers Work Internships Pipeline Employment Experience Programs Pathway $ WIA/EMP $ WIA/TANF/CITY

Out-of-School Youth $ EMP/FNDs/ARRA

th th $ TANF/CITY/ARRA 11 - 12 Grade Ages 14 – 24 Ages 16-24

Job Occupational Placement Skills FUNDING SOURCES KEY ARRA: Government sources listed to the left Credentialing American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided via:

$ ARRA $ ARRA (via WIA System) City of Philadelphia CITY: Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Out-of-School Youth Out-of-School Youth City of Philadelphia Industry EMP: Pennsylvania Department of Public Employers (see list on page 12) Welfare FNDs: Philadelphia Department of Human Foundations and other internship Services investors (see list on page 12) Philadelphia Housing Authority RCEP: Philadelphia Workforce Development Regional Career Education Partnership Corporation SDP: Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board School District of Philadelphia U.S. Department of Health and Human TANF: Services Temporary Assistance for Needy Families U.S. Department of Labor WIA: Workforce Investment Act (formula funds)

5 Models

2009 Summer Programs 2009-10 Year-Round Programs

Work and Learning Programs offer a mixture Shadowing Days offer visits to workplaces of academic skill-building, college exposure, career for exposure to career opportunities and industry exploration, and work-readiness training. settings.

Service Learning Programs involve youth 21st Century Skills Continuum provides a in team-based projects that identify community developmental set of work-related experiences over Program needs and provide visible, active service to address multiple years. those needs. These programs also include a career exploration component. Industry Pipeline Programs contain similar elements to the 21st Century Skills Continuum, with Work Experience Programs combine a specific industry focus and connections to post- employment at a non-profit organization or public high school employment and further education. sector agency with enrichment activities, allowing youth to see first-hand how work and education are The E3 Employment Pathway is available at inherently linked. the City’s five E3 Centers and includes job readiness training, service projects, and sheltered work Internships provide older youth with career experience. exposure and the opportunity to make connections with public and private sector employers. College Job Placement is a new service that will assist and career awareness and readiness skills are participants with connections to post-program reinforced through off-site weekly seminars. employment.

In addition to the daily work experience built into Occupational Skills Credentialing provides WorkReady summer program models, all participants industry-specific training that leads to employer- worked in groups or individually with guidance from recognized certification. a WorkReady Academic Advisor to develop projects or portfolios that were tied to academic and career readiness skills. Each Academic Advisor, a certified teacher hired by Philadelphia Youth Network, provides weekly instructional support and coaching to the students and their supervisors. Academic Advisors are also responsible for grading the projects. Projects that receive a passing grade qualify youth to earn elective credit through the School District of Philadelphia.

The most important thingshings I got from my internship were the positive “ “ relationships I built with the employees and other interns that I still keep in touch with.

Iyana Ali-Green Intern at Independence Blue Cross

6 used in the engineering fi eld. Work-Work- Youth Profi le ing with the program was both one of his biggest challenges and greatesttest Youth: Aaron Williams achievements. “You have to typepe in every single thing you want the com- Program Model: Internships puter to do and then make suree every measurement on the plan matches the one on the comput-t- Worksite: Pennoni Associates Inc. er exactly. It can sometimes get confusing,” he admits, “but I’m getting better at it.” Aaron hen Aaron Williams fi rst embarked felt supported in this by Pennonini staff Won his internship at Pennoni Associ- who were patient and gave himm Auto-CAD ates, an engineering and design consulting projects so that he could sharpenen his skills. fi rm headquartered in Philadelphia, he was “There’s always someone willingg to help PennoniPennoni hhiredired 4 not sure what to expect. “I didn’t know me. Even if they’re working on ssome-ome- WorkReadyWorkReady interns thing, they’ll still say ‘What do yyouou need what I was going to be doing, if I should inin SummerSummer 2009 in ad- ask for work, or if I should wait for them to help with?’” Aaron really bondeded with his dition to its existing college give me work.” He was met by an environ- supervisor, Julia Calahan, who works in internship program. Interns rotated ment where he was embraced by adult Human Resources. “She’s fun, she’s a joy. weekly into different departments, allowing staff, gained skills and exposure to a pro- She’s always there. It doesn’t matter what all the Pennoni interns to have hands-on work fessional workplace, and was able to get a she’s doing, she’s always willing to help. experiences in six different types of engineer- closer glimpse of his desired career. She’ll e-mail us to ask us ‘Do you need ing. As each department assignment ended, anything? How are your groups doing?’” the incoming group was briefed by the outgo- ing group about the kind of work they would It all started in 7th grade… encounter and what to expect. This prepara- Aaron, a senior at Simon Gratz High School One highlight of the summer for the in- tion system had multiple benefi ts: increasing in North Philadelphia, became interested in terns was the opportunity to have break- comfort levels for interns entering a new area, engineering in 7th grade when he heard fast with Pennoni’s President and CEO building presentations skills for the depart- an engineer speak at an assembly at his Anthony Bartolomeo. Aaron appreciated ing group, and exposing high school students middle school. “He told us how much he to potential role models who were studying made and I said ‘Okay, I want to be that engineering in college. when I grow up.’ But I didn’t know any- If you have a Best Practices thing about it, so that’s why I wanted this get it done. Make sure that you’re doing internship. I hoped that by the end of this chance like this, your best job.” summer, it would give me more insight on what I want to do.” you can’t pass it Next Stop: Realizing the Dream up. You have to As a result of the exposure he received In addition to his desire to learn more at Pennoni, Aaron is now confi dent that about the engineering fi eld, Aaron wanted grasp it. engineering is the career he wants to his internship experience to provide him pursue. “I’m not sure about what type, with the skills necessary to excel in the but I’m leaning toward mechanical and workforce. “I hope it will help me on job electrical engineering. I know that when I that “an important executive,” as he put interviews and to build my resume and get to college, I will be introduced to even it, took the time to meet with the interns, portfolio. It has already showed me how to more options.” As he refl ects on his experi- despite his busy schedule. “He was really dress for the workplace.” ence, Aaron offers advice to other youth: cool. He was very interested in WorkReady “WorkReady is a wonderful opportunity, as well as the things that all the interns Learning Lessons, especially for kids in Philadelphia. If you were involved in outside of the internship.” Making Connections have a chance like this, you can’t pass it Aaron had the opportunity to work up. You have to grasp it. It gives you an The relationships Aaron formed with adults with Auto-CAD, a computer program idea of what you may want to do in life.” iinn the workplace left a great impression uuponp him. “I learned how to conduct my- sself,el that it’s necessary to speak differently About the Employer iinn the workplace than you do with your Pennoni Associates is an award-winning engi- ffriends,rie how to handle myself in various neering and design consulting fi rm headquar- ssituations—itu to always stay calm, and to tered in Philadelphia. It provides personalized ttakeak your time with anything that you’re services to all levels of government, private, ddoing.o Don’t try to rush it through just to commercial and industrial clients as well as construction and other professionals. Pennoni employs over 800 professional, technical and administrative personnel in 20 offi ces through- AaronA out Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New England, Maryland and New York. The fi rm considers itself a business with a social WilliamsW conscience, giving back to the community with time, talents, and fi nancial support.

7 & Reinvestment Act

Just in Time – The Recovery Act and its Beneﬁ ts for Philadelphia Youth

Over the first decade of the 21st century, an ever-expanding portfolio of investments from government, foundations and employers meant that increasing numbers of Philadelphia young people had access to high-quality summer and year-round workplace experiences that helped them to prepare for college and career success.

But 2009 presented the distinct possibility of a different storyline, with the likelihood of an unhappy ending for hundreds, if not thousands, of eager and talented young Philadelphians. The ravages of the recession – resulting in dramatically lower tax revenues for government, diminished portfolio values for foundations and reduced capacity of corporate partners to support internships – threatened to curtail investments from all key sectors and to dash the hopes of many young people for a rewarding summer experience.

Fears of lost opportunities for Philadelphia youth were eased when Congress passed and the President signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which produced an infusion of $1.2 billion into youth employment nation- ally, yielding $7.4 million for Philadelphia.

Because the focus of Recovery Act youth investments was on creating jobs during the 2009 summer, the Philadelphia Council for College and Career Success (the Workforce Investment Act Youth Council) quickly organized a new com-

American Recovery petitive procurement process and selected two dozen youth-serving organizations to manage Recovery Act summer programs. As a result, more than 2,500 young people, who would otherwise have been unable to find meaningful employment, were placed in high-quality, academically enriched experiences during the 2009 summer.

On June 24, Mayor Nutter kicked off WorkReady Philadelphia 2009 in a major press event at Temple University, high- lighting several green and new economy programs, and featuring presentations by young people eager to share their enthusiasm for their upcoming work placements.

During their six-week programs, students worked as research assistants, learning about sophisticated hardware and software applications; trained in health care facilities where they had access to the same laboratories used by students in professional health care preparation programs; and participated in green-related activities that included urban gardening, energy audits and wetlands preservation.

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For teenagers -- as for adults -- there’s a big, big difference between having employment and not. And it’s not just about the “ money, although the money is certainly very, very important. But I think that it’s combined with the life skills, the access to working with adults who are making progress and making things very positive, the time they spend with our young people getting them ready for the world of work and understanding what it means to get up everyday, not just a couple days, everyday, not just when you feel like it, everyday and coming to work on time and ready to get things done, working with people that you like, and then possibly working with people that you don’t like.

You’ll ﬁ nd that as you go out into the world of work, these life

skills are critically important to your future; it’s a part of your education. That’s why having these dollars through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is so important. And it’s probably “ been over 30 years since we’ve had the number of young people, through a variety of programs, including these dollars, that will work in summer jobs here in the City of Philadelphia.

Mayor Michael A. Nutter Taken from remarks at the Mayor’s Press Conference on WorkReady Philadelphia summer programs, June 24, 2009 at Temple University 8 her, she would say, ‘I need this done in 20 enlightened the public. The project was Youth Profi le minutes’ and I’d say ‘OK!’ and start typing selected to compete at the annual Closing real fast.” Celebration at the Pennsylvania Convention Youth: Aminah Tolbert Center in August. Aminah’s work day consisted of processing Program Model: Service Learning mail, organizing fi les, and assisting staff “My part is a major part. I explain each members with projects. A self-starter, on department in WCA and what they do and days when she completed all of her assign- how they get it done,” Aminah says. The Provider & Worksite: ments early, she would go around the offi ce project enabled Aminah to understand the Women’s Christian Alliance asking staff members if they needed her signifi cance of working with her peers to help. “I don’t want to sit around and do accomplish a goal. “When I fi rst came here, nothing…I’ll see if someone needs some- I would collaborate with others, but not as hen she began her summer job at the thing to be done or copied.” much as I do now. I like to do things on my WWomen’s Christian Alliance (WCA), own because I fi gure I can get it done better Aminah Tolbert set specifi c goals for herself. Learning to Collaborate by myself, but there are some things that I With her fi rst-ever entry into the world WCA interns were responsible for com- need help with here. I learned how to hand of work, Aminah wanted to gain clerical, pleting a project that called for them to things off to other people,” she refl ects. computer and technology skills; help staff act as spokespersons for the organization. members; learn about the impact of the Time Well-Spent organization on the community; and simply Aminah also learned how to type dur- attend a meeting. “I didn’t care what it ing the summer, an accomplishment that was; I just wanted to sit in a chair in a meet- makes her very proud. “On the fi rst day, my ing just to feel important.” There was never a supervisor told us that when she was little, she typed on a typewriter and she learned The Art of Multi-tasking day that I could say how to type without looking at the keys. I The fi rst thing Aminah, a 9th grade student that I didn’t learn made that one of my goals for the summer. at Maritime Academy Charter School, Every now and then, I look down at the learned about WCA was that she had to anything…I always keys to make sure everything’s going alright move quickly if she wanted to keep up. down there,” she admits with a laugh. “I She found herself multi-tasking almost learned something feel so professional because I’m not looking immediately. Describing a day when she down!” was assigned to help Ms. Connie Hatchett, more and how to WCA’s Director of Youth & Community Aminah is grateful for her time at WCA and Services, she says, “I was in her offi ce… better myself in wants to remain connected to the agency. her phone rings every 15 seconds! She’s “When I came here, I wanted to experience answering that phone while I’m answer- whatever I do. this. I defi nitely want to come back to work ing this phone and I’m fi ling while I’m here. I like this environment.” She feels answering the phone and doing something that her time was well-spent and that she else! It’s really, really, really busy!” She also was able to grow as a result of the time she discovered fi rst-hand what it is like to work Interns had to fi nd out the role that each spent at WCA. “Every day I would go home under a tight deadline. “I knew she had to department played in the organization and and my mom would ask what I did at work. meet deadlines, but she has A LOT! When develop a survey for teens to measure their There was never one day where I could say I would type up stuff on the computer for satisfaction with the services they received that I didn’t learn anything. Even if it was at WCA. The fi nal products of the project the same thing I learned on another day, I were a presentation on Women’s Christian could say ‘I learned the same thing, but this Alliance and the services offered by the time I learned how to do it better.’ I always agency,agency, a report on the process of develop- learned something more and how to better inging the survey,su a role-play depiction of the myself in whatever I do.” interactioninteractio between a client and a staff member, and a collage visually depicting the mission anda services of WCA. The project was designedd to help the participants About the Worksite developdevelop essentiale workplace skills, includ- The Women’s Christian Alliance pro- inging research,resea collaboration with peers, civic vides resources and support to more literacyliteracy anda creativity. It was also meant to than 5,000 children and families annu- educate thet interns on WCA, who, in turn, ally in and around North Central Phila- delphia. This summer, 40 WorkReady program participants worked in the Youth and Community Services division supporting the summer Freedom AminahA School, fi scal department, record room, intake department, front desk opera- TolbertT tions, building management and the offi ce of the Chief Executive Offi cer.

9 & Reinvestment Act

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What did the Recovery Act investment in summer jobs mean for young Philadelphians?

• 2,677 young people received academically-enriched work experiences that helped to prepare them for the realities of the working world;

• More than 65% also demonstrated mastery of 21st century skills necessary for productive employment; and

• Youth participating in Recovery Act summer programs earned more than $2 million in wages, which helped to promote local economic recovery and also enhanced local, state and federal tax revenues.

These kinds of quantifiable measures are important to gauge the overall scale and impact of Recovery Act investments. But success can also be measured in the impacts that these investments had on the lives of the young people who were fortunate enough to participate in those summer experiences. Here are a few excerpts from short essays crafted by participating students as part of an assessment of their work readiness skills: American Recovery

This job is one of the best things that ever happened to “ me. I learned what it is like to be a responsible person [and] how it feels to become a young adult.

This job has forced me to grow and change in ways that probably wouldn’t have been possible [otherwise]. I am thankful to be a part of it.

I’ve become more responsible not for just myself, but

for watching over others as well. I have seen my level of responsibility and maturity grow. “

This summer has been the greatest summer of my life.

As impressive as these summer experiences were, the Recovery Act’s benefits won’t stop there. ARRA funding will also support year-round programs for hundreds of out-of-school youth who are returning to education, training and employment. These programs and activities will promote GED-acquisition with connections to postsecondary education; training and employment opportunities in green-oriented occupations; and a centralized job placement service for older youth who are ready to enter the workforce.

In short, while these timely investments by the President and the Congress are yielding important short-term academic and ﬁ nancial beneﬁ ts for our young people, they are likely to have much more profound effects in the longer term providing invaluable glimpses of futures that they now believe might, after all, be within their reach.

10 A Tremendous Experience Youth Proﬁ le On Tuesdays, program participants tookok ﬁ eld trips to healthcare-related destina-a- Youth: Edwin Rosario tions. They were able to tour laboratoriesries to experience the research aspect of Program Model: Work and medicine. They visited Independence BBluelue Learning Cross to gain an understanding of insur-ur- ance providers’ role in healthcare. Theyy Provider: District 1199C Training also met with physicians who discussedd & Upgrading Fund the details of their jobs and shared thee steps they took to become doctors.

Worksite: Breslin Learning Cen- Each Friday, youth were given the op- ter and Drexel University portunity to visit the Drexel University Nursing Laboratory and apply the lessons and skills that they learned hen I grow up, I want to become throughout the week. “Before “Wa pediatric nurse.” This is what this program, I didn’t know much Edwin Rosario says motivated him to apply about nursing, just that there was a greatreat to District 1199C’s Summer Healthcare need for male and female nurses,” Edwinwin In ororderder to Exploration Program through WorkReady. shshareare whwhatat ttheyhey lelearnedarned duduringring His enthusiasm for nursing combined with their six-weeks of career exploration, Edwin his experience volunteering at a daycare and the other students created a series of center with his mother led him to this ca- When we fi rst got one-minute Public Service Announcements reer choice. He learned about the program here, I considered aimed at educating the community about from his grandmother, who saw the op- various health issues. Youth chose topics, portunity listed in a local newspaper. everybody a kid, conducted research, wrote the scripts, and acted in the PSAs. District 1199C, in partnership with Drexel even myself. We University’s College of Nursing and Health Signifi cant Changes Professions designed this experiential were so shy and As a result of his involvement in the pro- health education program for rising ninth childlike. Now look gram, Edwin sees signifi cant changes in not graders, ages 14 and 15. During the only himself, but in his fellow participants. program, youth were introduced to various at us! We’re acting “Everyone has grown. When we fi rst got careers in the healthcare fi eld and learned here, I considered everybody a kid, even cutting-edge nursing skills. In addition, more like adults in myself. We were so shy and childlike. Now participants benefi ted from academic look at us! We’re acting more like adults in enrichment, as well as workshops cover- many ways. many ways.” ing nutrition, life skills and work-readiness. These activities took place at District Edwin realizes that the key to preparing 1199C’s Breslin Learning Center on Mon- remembers. While at Drexel, youth partici- Philadelphia’s youth for their futures is to days, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Accord- pated in the same skill-building activities offer them access to unique, high-qual- ing to Edwin, he was met with exciting and used to teach students in Drexel’s College ity work experiences. “If you put young innovative sessions daily and learned to of Nursing and Health Professions. They people into the professional workplace, “expect the unexpected everyday!” interacted with “sim” mannequins and next thing you know you’ll have a girl actors that exhibited various injuries. They who’s becoming a woman and a guy who’s also learnedlearne how to take blood pressure becoming a man.” andand other vital signs on their peers, and howhow to conductco a medical self-assessment. YouthYouth alsoalso engaged in on-line simulations About the Provider andand medically-basedmedic learning games. Ed- District 1199C Training & Upgrading winwin felt thatth this was a tremendous experi- enceence that gave him a better idea of what it Fund is a labor management trust isis like to beb a nurse. He admits, however, non-profi t organization, which for thatthat he eencounteredn a small mishap: “Well, 35 years has been helping healthcare thethe onlonlyy challengingc thing was checking workers and the community at large forfor mmyy lablab partner’s pulse. He was clearly gain education and training that fos- alive,alive, but I just could not get it!” ters career advancement. The Summer 2009 Healthcare Career Exploration Program for Youth allowed the Fund to spread the word to students about Edwin the benefi ts of healthcare careers and the correct educational paths to take Rosario in pursuing these careers.

11 & Supporters System Funders City of Philadelphia Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry The School District of Philadelphia Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare U.S. Congress Pennsylvania General Assembly U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Philadelphia City Council U.S. Department of Labor Philadelphia Department of Human Services William Penn Foundation Philadelphia Housing Authority Funders Federal funds provided under: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act • Temporary Assistance to Needy Families • Workforce Investment Act

WorkReady Premier Internship Employers Businesses that hired and paid for youth internships at their worksites. Those listed in bold hired 10 or more interns. Abington Memorial Hospital Marketplace Philadelphia Management ACE Group of Companies Mercy Philadelphia Hospital Acme Markets NHS Human Services AECOM ParenteBeard, LLC Aetna PECO Aqua America Pennoni Associates Inc. AT Chadwick Co. Philadelphia Academies, Inc. Bittenbender Construction Philadelphia Business Journal Blank Rome LLP Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Brandywine Realty Trust Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO Brown’s Super Stores, Inc. Philadelphia Federal Credit Union Burman’s Medical Supplies, Inc. Philadelphia Federation of Teachers Health and Welfare Fund Cancer Treatment Centers of America Philadelphia Gas Works CBS3/The CW Philly 57 Philadelphia Golf Management Cigna Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc. (OIC) Citizens Bank Philadelphia Phillies City of Philadelphia Philadelphia University Comcast Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board Comcast Spectacor Philadelphia Youth Network Community College of Philadelphia PNC Bank Communities In Schools of Philadelphia, Inc. PricewaterhouseCoopers Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Delaware Valley PRWT Services, Inc. Day & Zimmermann, Inc. Reit Management & Research, LLC Deloitte Roofscapes, Inc. Drexel University Saint Joseph’s University Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC Saul Ewing LLP Episcopal Community Services Shulick Law Offi ces Ernst & Young STARR Restaurants ESM Productions Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP Family Planning Council TD Bank Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Temple University Fox Chase Cancer Center Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Fox Rothschild LLP Tierney Communications Friendly Mortgage Towers Perrin Garfi eld Refi ning Company Turner Construction Company Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce United Bank of Philadelphia Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation Universal Health Services, Inc. Hahnemann University Hospital The University of the Arts Holy Family University University of Pennsylvania Independence Blue Cross UPS JEVS Human Services Wachovia Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Wallace Roberts & Todd, LLC KPMG LLP Walmart Stores LaSalle University William Penn Foundation Liberty Property Trust

121 Funders & Supporters

WorkReady Internship Investors Sponsors of youth internships in non-proﬁ t organizations or small businesses. Those listed in bold sponsored 10 or more interns.

Aetna Foundation Mill Spring Foundation Allied Barton Security Services The Patricia Kind Family Foundation Bank of America Pennoni Associates, Inc. Barra Foundation Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority Campbell Soup Foundation Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau Cephalon The Philadelphia Eagles The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia The Provincial Foundation Cigna The Rittenhouse Foundation Citizens Bank Rohm and Haas Comcast Samuel S. Fels Fund Comcast Spectacor Seybert Institution Crown Holdings, Inc. Shulick Law Ofﬁ ces Crozer Wellness Center Sunoco Logistics Partners, LP. Day & Zimmermann, Inc. Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Deloitte United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania Foundations, Inc. Virtua Fox & Roach Charities Wachovia Foundation Independence Foundation William Penn Foundation Korn/Ferry International WPVI-TV 6ABC Lincoln Financial Foundation Young Friends of PYN/Young Professionals Network

WorkReady Internship Contributors Organizations or individuals that provided partial sponsorship for single internships.

Beneﬁ cial Bank Parkway Corporation Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Corporate Paul DiLorenzo Contributions Zateeny Loftus, LLP Joseph Frick

WorkReady Seal-of-Approval Internship Employerss Businesses that hosted their own internship programs that met WorkReady’s criteria for excellence. Those listed in bold are hosted 10 or more interns.

AECOM Aramark Ballard Spahr LLP Bank of America The experienceiC at Comcast was Catholic Social Services “ extremely rewarding for me. It Elliot Lewis ultimately made me realize that I GlaxoSmithKline belong working behind the cam- Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global

Services era...Having the hands-on experi-

Naval Surface Warface Center, Carderock Division ence in the studio, control rooms, The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company and editing suites of Studio C told “ Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation me that being a pivotal person in SEPTA the creation of television produc- St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children University of Pennsylvania tions is where I belong. The Wistar Institute

Kyle Werder Intern at Comcast

13 Providers

Youth-serving organizations selected by the Council for College and Career Success and contracted by PYN to operate WorkReady programs:

Allegheny West Foundation Management & Environmental Technologies, Inc. Arbor Education & Training Multicultural Youth eXchange ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania New Foundations Charter School Attic Youth Center New Jersey Academy for Aquatic Sciences Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia Norris Square Civic Association Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia, Inc. North Light Community Center Camden County Council on Economic Opportunity Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America, Inc. Caring People Alliance The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf Contracted The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia People for People, Inc. City of Philadelphia Department of Recreation Philadelphia Academies, Inc. City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program Philadelphia Futures Communities In Schools of Philadelphia, Inc. Philadelphia Housing Authority Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. Please Touch Museum Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Inc. Resources for Human Development, Inc. District 1199C Training & Upgrading Fund Respond, Inc. Diversiﬁ ed Community Services Rosemont College EducationWorks The Salvation Army Learning Zone Fairhill Community High School The School District of Philadelphia Federation of Neighborhood Centers Student Conservation Association Foundations, Inc. Temple University - The Information Technology and Free Library of Philadelphia Society Research Group Girard College Development Fund Temple University - The University Community Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition Collaborative of Philadelphia Indochinese-American Council To Our Children’s Future with Health, Inc. Institute for the Development of African-American United Communities Southeast Philadelphia Youth, Inc. University of Pennsylvania - Barbara and Edward Intercultural Family Services, Inc. Netter Center for Community Partnerships JEVS Human Services Variety - The Children’s Charity of Greater Philadelphia LULAC National Educational Services Centers, Inc. WELCOME NJ WoWomen’s Christian Alliance YYouthou Empowerment Services YYouthou Workforce for the Creative Economy Coalition YYouthBuildou Philadelphia Charter School

I have to tell you what a joy it is “ working with Harold! He is such a “ hard worker and has some great ideas. I’d take 50 more just like him!

Jamie McKnight Director of Teens 4 Good Federation of Neighborhood Centers

14 and something to do during the sum- Youth Proﬁ le mer. And money.” Youth: Kiyla Armstead, Darrell Darrell Bell heard about the program Kiyla Armstead Bell, Naaimah Johnson & Adio last year. He applied, but was unable Wilkins to be placed in a position due to the overwhelming interest of youth in Program Model: Service Learning summer employment and the limited number of opportunities. Not letting Provider: The Boys and Girls that deter him this summer, the 10th grade honor roll student at Lincoln Clubs of Philadelphia High School applied again. “Two or three weeks later, they called me say- Worksite: Frankford Boys and ing to come here to this site.” Darrell Girls Club hoped that his work experience would not only benefit him, but others in his life as well. “When I first came, they t the Frankford Boys and Girls told us that we were going to be do- AClub, young people were able to ing gardening. I never did that before. gain valuable work exposure through a So when I heard that, I thought if I Darrell Bell WorkReady program established in the learn that, maybe I can do that out in nurturing environment of the Club. To- my neighborhood and show my neigh- gether, they created and maintained a bors what I learned.” garden, growing fruit, vegetables and herbs. They also learned how to pre- Kiyla Armstead’s parents remembered pare nutritious meals and the effects positive experiences in summer job that food has on one’s health. This programs when they were younger was an eye-opening experience for and encouraged her to apply to participants, most of who had never WorkReady. She printed an applica- worked prior to this summer. They tion from the website, completed were able to experience what it meant and submitted it, and was called for to work hard and they were taken out an interview at the Central Enroll- of their culinary comfort zones. ment Center in May. “I wanted a job over the summer, but when I heard Something Constructive about this particular job, I was kind of Adio Wilkins heard about WorkReady hesitant because I don’t like getting Naaimah Johnson through his advisor at school. “I was dirty!” she laughs. Nonetheless, Kiyla, interested. Last summer I really didn’t a 10th grade student at Central High have anything to do. I just sat inside School, accepted the position. all day. I just wanted to do something constructive.” As a 10th grader at Getting the Job Done Jules Mastbaum Area Vocational Tech- Daily, youth tended the garden, nical School, he wanted to participate monitoring the growth and condition “just to get a of their crop, adding feel of what the mulch, removing work industry is weeds, and water- like.” We can all get ing what they had worked so hard to A school along as one. develop. “When we counselor started, the gar- introduced 9th We can all work den was rough, it grader Naaimah was dry, and there Adio Wilkins Johnson to together as one. were a whole lot of WorkReady And we get the weeds. We had to and gave her dig it up… and it was an application. job done as one. hot outside,” Adio She applied and remembers. Through went to the teamwork, they were Central Enroll- able to create the ment Center for an interview in April. garden and eventually reap the harvest A few weeks later, she received a call of their diligence. Of working with his telling her to report to The Frankford peers, Darrell says, “We can all get Boys and Girls Club in July. She applied along as one. We can all work togeth- because she “wanted work experience er as one. And we get the job >>

15 Service

onnecting youth to the community yields many positive results. It encourages social responsibility. It promotes Cleadership and an ethic to serve. It compels them to think outside of their own lives and become aware of society’s needs. It empowers them by allowing them to see that they can have an impact on the world.

WorkReady provides numerous opportunities for young people to provide service to the community. Over half of the youth who participated in Summer 2009 were engaged in some form of community service during their WorkReady experience. Projects, assigned job responsibilities, and activities embedded in specific program models allowed participants to play a role in addressing the needs of communities throughout the region. From hosting a stand selling discounted fruits and vegetables they’ve grown themselves in low income neighborhoods with no supermarkets and little access Community to fresh produce to interviewing neighbors in 4,452 order to inform social service agencies on needed services, youth were exposed to what it meant to youth provided be civically involved. It is clear that while there are service to the community many ways that youth benefit as a result of their participation in WorkReady, they are also making tremendous contributions in return. 290,122 hours of community service were performed by WorkReady participants

Jobs

ith local and national initiatives to promote a “greener” Wsociety gaining momentum, WorkReady programs saw aann explosion of environmentally focused employment opportunities this summer. Thanks in part to a green jobs priority writtenn into the Philadelphia Council for College and Career Success’ Green ARRA summer RFP, young people across the WorkReady spec- trum were involved in a wide variety of jobs and projects that increased their knowledge of the environment, its natural resources and why it is important that we learn to live and work in different ways in order to preserve them. From recycling and gardening projects to urban lot beautification and wilder- ness conservation jobs, over a thousandhousand My idea of going green is WorkReady participantspants hhadad experiences

“ making changes to take better that transformed theirheir perspectives and behaviorsbehaviors. ThThee care of my community and impact extended beyond the young workers, with many reporting ef-

environment by creating more forts to educate their family, friends and neighbors on ways to be more use of our natural resources “ environmentally-friendly. and polluting less by recycling frequently.

IfeOluwa Laniya WorkReady Participant Caring People Alliance

16 continued from page 15 >> Transformations done as one.” Writing in journals to re- These young people’s summermer flect on what they learned, working on experience yielded more thanhan their project, and discussing ideas for just a thriving garden and an their garden and project rounded out exceptional project. It resultedulted their days. “Everybody has a chance in transformations in each to put their ideas out there,” Adio one that has long-lasting ppo-o- acknowledged. Youth also had periodic tential. Naaimah feels thatt one-on-one evaluations in which they she discovered “how to were praised on the tasks they did well express myself in a maturee and given tips on areas that could use manner.” She is interested improvement. in being an OB/GYN one day and feels that this The young gar- work experience will help deners at the her. “Iff you’reyou’re an OB/GYN,N, youyou have Frankford Boys usingusing fresh to tell tthehe prepregnantgnant and Girls Club vegetables,vegetables, herbsherbs Now when I’m su- womenn what thetheyy created a project andand fruit.fruit. “I“I never knewknew we we should eattdh and how called You Are could eat some of those plants. They permarket shopping what they eat af- What You Eat, looked like grass. But when they told fects them and their a healthy eating with my parents, us we could eat it and we put it in our baby.” campaign based food, it tasted good.” Before this work on what they I’ll run over to the experience, he had plans to be a Law- Kiyla, who admit- learned during yer. Now, after using his artistic skills to herbs and I’ll start ted that the idea of their six-week design the t-shirt his group wore at the working with soil experience. Closing Celebration, he is also consid- picking up herbs was not appeal- Through a bro- ering a career in Graphic Design. chure, a poster and naming all of ing to her before she began work- and a ten-minute Adio, who dreams of going into the au- ing, confesses that play, the group them. I’ve learned tomotive field, “learned a lot of team- as a result of this encouraged nutri- work skills” and feels that working at how to eat better job placement, she tious eating and the Frankford Boys and Girls Club has has had a change communicated made him “a lot more confident.” He and smarter. of heart. “I always “how fatten- appreciated the work environment at thought that the ing foods can the Club. “Everybody works together. trees were really affect you and There’s no arguing. We’re just having pretty, but when how eating healthy is better,” says a good time, having fun, but at the you actually have to garden and get Naaimah. The young people took their same time, we’re still getting the work dirty, I used to think that was not project very seriously, “making sure done.” What would he have been do- cool.” She is now considering start- everything was perfect, making sure we ing if he had not gotten a summer job ing a garden at home in order to don’t have any errors,” Darrell explains. through WorkReady? “I’d probably be continue the wholesome eating habits Their attention to detail paid off: their out with friends, hanging out, vaca- she learned in the summer. “From this project was selected to compete at tioning or in New York shopping. But program, now when I’m supermarket the annual Closing Celebration at the this is more constructive, so I’d rather shopping with my parents, I’ll run over Pennsylvania Convention Center. You be here.” Are What You Eat won First Place in to the herbs and I’ll start picking thethe HeaHealthlth anandd WellnessWellness up herbs andan naming all of them. category.category. I’veI’ve learnedlearne how to eat better About the Worksite andand smarter.”smart She also learned a pricelesspriceless lesson in perseverance: The Frankford Boys and Girls Club, “If“If youyou area devoted to your job, a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs eveneven onon the bad days, you’ll of Philadelphia, is one of 12 Boys still come;co you’ll still deal with and Girls Clubs and Extension Sites everythingeveryt that’s going on.” in Philadelphia. Boys & Girls Clubs SheShe hopesh to participate in of Philadelphia, in keeping with its WorkReadyWork next summer mission to enable all young people to andand wants to intern at a reach their full potential as produc- magazinema company. She tive, caring, responsible citizens, has aspiresas to be an Entertain- existed in Philadelphia for more than mentm Lawyer. a century and has given thousands of Philadelphia youth the tools they need OneO of the highlights to chose a positive path in life. Twelve ofo Darrell’s summer youth worked at the Frankford Boys was makingmaking dips and fruit salad and Girls club in Summer 2009.

17 Data Worksites by Industry Type Social Services Education Recreation Healthcare Retail Sales Worksite Finance Restaurant Services Libraries Government Cultural Arts Law Real Estate Development *less than 1% each: Entertainment and Tourism Architecture Communications and Media Engineering Law Enforcement Environmental Services Manufacturing Skilled Trades Pharmaceuticals Service Occupations/Stafﬁ ng Information Technology Transportation Services Insurance Utilities

Other (less than 1%)*

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350

Architecture 2 Law 25 Communications and Media 18 Law Enforcement 4 Cultural Arts 26 Manufacturing 9 Education 226 Social Services 300 Engineering 5 Pharmaceuticals 4 Entertainment and Tourism 21 Real Estate Development 22 Environmental Services 15 Restaurant Services 38 Finance 40 Retail Sales 51 Government 29 Service Occupations/Stafﬁ ng 4 Libraries 32 Skilled Trades 13 Recreation 134 Transportation Services 4 Healthcare 104 Utilities 3 Information Technology 13 TOTAL 1,154 Insurance 12

Worksite Data Worksites by Sector Government 193

Non-Profit 582

Private/For-Profit 379

1818 challenge anyway and quickly discov- just like a job where you flip a burger or Youth Proﬁ le ered a passion for photojournalism. The something. I got something out of this more he learned about photography and that I can take with me through life.” Youth: Justin Crosby-Diggs writing, the more he wanted to learn. He describes the program coordinator, He especially embraced the technical Faye Murman, as a great mentor and Program Model: Service Learning aspects of photography and the process teacher who pushed him and the other of producing a polished piece of writing. students to go above and beyond to find Provider & Worksite: Now when he looks at a photograph, the answers to questions. Additionally, Congreso de Latinos Unidos he thinks about qualities like angle and Justin credits the job for helping him to depth of field. “It’s not even the same overcome mental blocks in his writing, picture I was looking at before. Now I improving his grammar and spelling, ongreso’s after-school program, know way more about it.” and “keeping [his] mind from going to CÉxito, helps students at Edison sleep over the summer,” so that when High School stay on track academically. The program requires participants to ar- the school year began he was especially Justin Crosby-Diggs participates in the rive on time and complete the day’s work prepared. His summer experience also program, and learned about Congreso’s with energy – just like a regular full-time allowed him to stay away from neighbor- WorkReady summer youth job program job. Justin’s workdays often began with hood peers who did not have his best there. In fact, he filled out the applica- interests at heart. “Around my way is tion on the day he first heard about the nothing but problems…I stay away from program. ‘around the corner’ and stuff; there’s I’m such a different nothing around the corner anyway.” First-time Photographer While other young people in his neigh- Justin was a freshman at Edison at the person now...I got borhood were idle, Justin was engaged time and had never had a summer or in constructive activities like visiting after-school job, so he was excited something out of Temple University’s School of Commu- about WorkReady as an avenue to avoid nications and Theater where he met the negative influences in his neighborhood. this that I can take chairman of the Journalism Department, Fortunately, Justin was offered a job in with me through Dr. Andrew Mendelson. Justin plans to Congreso’s WorkReady program titled maintain that vital contact now that he is “Influencing Society Through Photo- life. considering journalism as a career. journalism.” In addition to providing summer employment, the program aims Participation in the WorkReady program to teach students how photographs can changed more than just Justin’s career spark discussion in the community while assignments from adult project coordi- aspirations. Before the program, Justin exposing them to photojournalism. The nators, but on other days Justin and his admits that he was not used to social- program culminated with the publication fellow program participants were given izing with people his own age and of a student-produced magazine. the freedom to dive into ongoing proj- was not a very social person. Today, ects and pursue the work on their own. he has friends from the program and Initially, Justin did not think he would His contribution to the magazine was has learned that sometimes you have enjoy the program, because his true in- an article about teen pregnancy. Justin to work past differences and interact terest was in culinary arts. He had never learned how to research, write, and with various types of people to get the been intrigued by photography and revise an article to yield a polished final job done. “I’m such a different person although he writes poetry as a hobby draft. During this process, he developed now,” he says. Justin hopes to attend and has always been a strong writer, his interview skills by questioning people Villanova or Arcadia University for col- photojournalism sounded too much like who had children at a young age, family lege, and in the meantime is planning regular school. Justin embraced the members who had been affected by teen to apply for a photojournalism program pregnancy, and strangers on the street to through WorkReady, if it is offered. get local opinions. Taking photographs aandnd wrwritingitin about them turned out to bbee an ununexpectede thrill, and Justin also About the Worksite llearnedearned vavaluable job skills such as timeli- nness,ess, atattendance,te and how to overcome Congreso de Latinos Unidos’ mission pepersonalrsonal ddifferences to work with others. is to strengthen Latino communities through social, economic, education, A DiffDifferenter Person Now and health services; leadership devel- JustinJustin wwasa most surprised at the depth of opment; and advocacy. Congreso’s thethe photphotojournalismo program. “It wasn’t goal for its youth programs is to ensure that youth graduate from high school, pursue post-secondary education, and enter careers with family-sustaining wages. There were 29 youth in the JJustin photojournalism program. In total, Congreso provided 130 youth with CCrosby-Diggs WorkReady experiences in Summer 2009.

19 News

ncreased news media attention to WorkReady this year took a variety of approaches. From profiles of indi- Ividual youth to features on specific worksites and articles on WorkReady as a whole, there were a total of 25 WorkReady Summer 2009-related stories in the local media. Topics discussed were wide-ranging, including the Mayor’s push for local businesses to support youth through internships and an article on a student group’s trip to a White House music program. One of the most frequently covered topics was the impact of federal stimulus dollars

In the on the WorkReady system, which accounted for more than a third of the stories.

2009 MEDIA COVERAGE (Total Hits) Print(8) Philadelphia Daily News The Philadelphia Inquirer Philadelphia Business Journal Web(10) Philadelphia Gay News Television(3) Philly.com The Philadelphia Tribune KYW-CBS3 Radio(4) Montgomerynews.com WCAU-NBC 10 WCAU-NBC 10 KYW 1060 Citybizlist Philadelphia 202 WPVI-6ABC WPVI-6ABC WHYY Radio Daily Times (Delaware County) “I have a lot of communication with my Youth Proﬁ le supervisor and that’s really good. Nicole’s really busy, but she’s really accessible to thee Youth: Kristina Kim interns.”

Program Model: Internships In the Content Acquisition department, Kristina was exposed to the business aspectt Worksite: Comcast of television. “They’re in charge of paying the networks. I helped them to process invoices and other administrative things.” efore interning at Comcast, Kristina Kristina had to learn the software used BKim’s work experience consisted of a by the department in order to complete stint at a local pizza shop. “It wasn’t any- her responsibilities. “Getting used to the thing like this,” she says with a small laugh. software and programs on the computers Merely getting a job to earn a paycheck was diffi cult, but it’s defi nitely helped me was not the incentive that drew Kristina, with my skills. Microsoft Excel—I was okay a graduate of John W. Hallahan Catholic with it before, but now I feel much more Girls’ High School and incoming freshman comfortable with what to do with it, so at Drexel University, to a WorkReady intern- that’s good.” ship at Comcast. What motivated her was Comcast’sComcast’s internsinternshiphip the opportunity to be introduced to a new Carol Preston, Senior Manager, Content Acquisition, was Kristina’s supervisor in the program provides both hands-on world. “It was more about learning how to work experience and professional development be more professional. I knew WorkReady department. After working with her, Kris- training. The company offers a shadow pro- would help me build on that.” tina sees Carol as someone that she wants gram for students interested in exploring areas to model herself after. “Carol is really of the company in addition to the department Leadership and Organization welcoming. She talks to me about all the to which they are assigned. Comcast provides This summer, Kristina worked in two opportunities that women have in the a two-day resume building, networking, and departments: Human Resources and corporate world. She’s so professional; business etiquette workshop for interns. Afterwards, they are assigned a mentor to help Content Acquisition. In HR, she was as- she knows how to get things done. She’s really persistent, and that’s one of the them develop their skills further; mentors are signed several projects: “I’m working on a available to answer interns’ questions over the PowerPoint presentation now for the intern things she taught me.” Kristina is confi - course of the summer. Interns are also eligible orientation. I also ran a leadership activity dent that her new-found persistence will for the 401k program and company discounts, for a freshman program at the company. assist her in fi nalizing her arrangements have access to additional trainings provided That was fun and I got a chance to use as she begins college. “Drexel is so big. I by Comcast University, and meet with senior leadership skills, which I’m sure I’ll be need- know if I need to get something done, I executives a few times throughout the summer. ing.” Kristina feels that her tasks for the can call and I won’t be shy to do it now.” Best Practices department have also helped to hone her down to talk to us. The company does a organizational skills. “The interns have to College Bound lot to get interns involved at Comcast so organize the whole event. It can be hectic, At Drexel, Kristina plans to study Elemen- that you’re not just working here, but you but I’m learning more how to make things tary Education with a concentration in Spe- understand what’s going on here and the easier with organization.” cial Education. She has already thought of opportunities that are available.” ways to integrate Comcast into her major Kristina started her days by meeting with and career goals. “I’d actually love to get Based on her WorkReady experience, her supervisor in the Human Resources de- into Sprout here,” she said, referring to PBS Kristina has the following advice for future partment, Nicole Chisholm, Internship Co- KIDS Sprout, a preschool channel created interns who work at Comcast: “Get ordinator at Comcast, to review her tasks. for children ages 2-5 and their families. involved! All the events that are planned: This gave Kristina a chance to ask questions Kristina hopes to work with the channel as attend them. You learn a lot and you make and get clarifi cation and feedback on her a co-op for school next year. connections. You meet executives. All you projects and her internship performanceperformance.. have to do is introduce yourself and maybe Get Involved they’ll remember you in the future. It just Kristina’s internship experience went gives you a connection. If you ever need a beyond her original goal of learning the job, it’s good to have that.” essentials of professionalism. “It’s a lot more exciting than I thought it was going About the Employer to be. We do a lot. Nicole plans a lot of Headquartered in Philadelphia, Comcast is one things for interns. We had a Multicultural of the nation’s leading providers of enter- Intern Day, and we’re having a graduation tainment, information, and communication for all the interns and we’re going to have products and services. Named one of Business- a guest speaker from Programming come Week’s “Best Places to Launch a Career” and the Philadelphia Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work”, Comcast is proud to be an employer Kristina of choice for students. Every summer, Comcast sponsors fi fty WorkReady internships. Interns Kim work in various departments including human resources, accounting, IT, media production, and many others.

21 Enrollment Center

ach year, several thousand youth experiencece Ethe process of applying for summer employ-y- ment opportunities through an appointment aatt the WorkReady Central Enrollment Center (CEC).EC). Space for the CEC has been donated by The Gal-Gal- lery at Market East, a Pennsylvania Real Estatee

Central Investment Trust (PREIT) property, for the past four years. Located in the heart of Center Cityy Philadelphia, the benefits of the CEC are two-- fold: it provides one central site for young job seekers to access everything that they need related to gaining summer employment through WorkReady and it allows youth to experience first-hand the process of applying for a job. The CEC also houses the staff of the WorkReady Hotline, a multifaceted customer support service for the youth and families served by the summer system, as well as other functions that contribute to the youth summer experience.

In order to begin the process of applying for a summer position, youth obtainain an appapplicationlication from the WorkReady website, at their school, a local County Assistance Office, an EARN Center, or a community-based organization. After completing the application, applicants submit their materi- alsals for reviewre by trained WorkReady Employment Specialists. Youth are then contactedcontacte to attend an enrollment appointment at the Central Enrollment Center to completecom employment documents and participate in a brief interview. After thethe enrollmenten appointment, youth receive constructive feedback on how to successfullysucces to approach future interviews. Youth that go through the Central EnrollmentEnroll Center and submit the necessary paperwork on time are eligible to be assignedas to a position within the WorkReady system. Placement in a posi- tiontion is dependent on the number of available opportunities.

AsAs a result of completing this process, each young person walks away more preparedpre to apply for a job, with a better understanding of the hiring pro- cessce and what a potential employers looks for in a job candidate.

CEC Data

Youth Applications Received: 7,465*

Inquiries: 17,050 (Phone calls, voicemails, and on-line application requests)

Youth Served: 3,863 (Youth who sent complete applications and attended at least one appointment)

Operation information April 4 – June 24, 2009 11:00am – 3:00pm (Administrative Hours) 3:00pm – 7:00pm (Youth Enrollment Hours)

*16,450 applications were received in total, system-wide, which includes those received directly by providers, partners, and PYN, between April and the June deadline. 22 resources for students. The IT instruc- before you can begin to problem-solve: Youth Proﬁ le tion and practice were embedded in an “Listen to everybody’s input and then awareness-raising project on environ- make suggestions.” From the adult staff Youth: Mehran Chugtar mental issues and sustainability. members, he learned that knowledge is acquired through inquiry: “Asking a Program Model: Service Learning Students functioned as junior research question is always a good thing to do.” assistants on several projects and were Provider & Worksite: matched with university faculty and Reflecting on his experience at Temple Temple University Information students, who served as mentors to the ITSRG, Mehran also emphasizes the Technology and Society Research students. Among the on-going projects importance of working in small groups. students worked on with research- “Two heads are better than one. By Group (ITSRG) ers were the remediation of the Exxon working together you can get a broad Valdez oil spill, social media research to answer.” He finds the collaborative foster awareness of community arts, en- approach to work more productive and ehran Chugtar, a high school vironmental education in the Fairmount effective and plans to apply it to his Msophomore at George Washington Park system, using digital media to school work: “In chemistry this year, Carver High School for Engineering and advance health research, and IT mapping we’ll be working in groups doing lab Science, hoped “to gain exposure to of local community resources. experiments, so breaking up problems the workforce, [learn] how to work in between the group members we have, group environments and solve issues” as Mentors developed meaningful and en- we’ll be able to come up with a better a WorkReady participant in the Temple couraging relationships with the students solution.” University ITSRG Program. He was introduced to the opportunity by a staff Ready to Work member at his school who works with Mehran is so enthusiastic about his sum- the ITSRG program. This was Mehran’s mer experience that he doesn’t want first-ever work experience. [I learned to] listen to wait until next year to participate. “Whenever there is an opportunity Technology and Mentoring to everybody’s input open, I’d be glad to take it.” He eagerly The Temple University ITSRG program and then make sug- anticipates returning next summer and allowed Mehran and 74 other high hopes that he can even be involved in school students to work with Temple gestions...Asking a the Temple University ITSRG program University students to explore numerous through WorkReady during the school realms of Information Technology. One question is always a year. He credits the program with mak- of the main tenets of the program was ing him “more mature,” “professional,” to increase literacy skills – both tradi- good thing to do. teaching him how to present himself in tional reading and writing as well as a work environment, and helping him to digital literacy. Mehran and the other develop his interpersonal skills. students spent their days blogging about research projects, using PowerPoint to in the program. Mehran felt that his Mehran, who hopes to attend Massa- create presentations, and learning to relationships with the program mentors chusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to use Google Sketch Up, an architecture were ideal. He was even able to form a study architecture or civil engineering, program. Temple ITSRG aims to increase bond with a Temple University student has this piece of advice for future pro- education and access to these types of based on a shared interest. “I was pretty gram participants: “Get on your supervi- cool with all the mentors…high fives sor’s good side!” here and there. Me and Phil are interested in carscars,, so while we’re walking to a certain builbuildingd [on campus], we’ll be About the Provider ttalkingalking about that,” he said. The Information Technology and Society Research Group (ITSRG) at A LearninLearningg Experience Temple University is a multi-disciplinary AsAs a result of his participation in the research consortium that focuses on program,program, MeMehranh feels that he has the mastery of information and com- learnedlearned sosomeme valuable lessons. From munication technologies and the social workingworking with his peers, he learned that concerns these changing ﬁ elds create. itit is necessarnecessaryy to gather all information By examining education, health, and civic engagement, ITSRG positions itself as an academic leader in digital literacy.

ITSRG sponsors the 2009 Building Infor- mation Technology Skill (BITS) Summer MehranM Programs, which offer Philadelphia School District students the opportunity ChugtarC to increase their digital literacy in areas from geography to gaming.

23 Survey Results

he Youth Satisfaction Survey (YSS) is designed to solicit feedback from participants in the WorkReady program. TResults from the survey are used to improve program quality to ensure that youth have the most rewarding experience possible.

This year, for the first time ever, the survey was administered online. The YSS web address was distributed to participants at their worksites. A link to the survey was e-mailed to Worksite Supervisors and Providers so that they could encourage the youth to complete the survey and assist anyone who needed support or internet access. Students were assured that their responses to the survey, which took approximately 5 to 7 minutes to complete, were confi- dential so that they felt comfortable sharing their honest opinions.

The responses from youth were overwhelmingly positive. This is a testament to the commitment of the mentors, employers, worksite supervisors, providers, partners and PYN staff to create an experience that was beneficial to the youth participants and achieved the goals of the program. In order to build on this success, PYN staff and partner organizations have begun to identify ways to enhance future programming. Youth Satisfaction Youth

Overall Program Satisfaction

96% were satisﬁ ed with their entire experience

91% were satisﬁ ed with their worksite or placement

Impact on Academic Skills and Education Goals

96% felt more conﬁ dent that they now know what it takes to be successful in school or in an educational setting

92% felt that they were better able to identify their education goals as a result of participating in the program

91% felt that participating in the program increased their interest in furthering their education

86% felt that their academic skills improved as a result of participating in the program

Impact on Work Readiness Competencies and Career Goals

97% felt more conﬁ dent that they now know what it takes to be successful in a job or employment setting

96% felt that they were better prepared to get a job as a result of participating in the program

95% that their work skills improved as a result of participating in the program

88% felt that they were better able to identify their career goals as a result of participating in the program

2424 wide range of institutions, from liberal arts Youth Profi le colleges to the Fashion Institute of Technol- ogy and the Massachusetts College of Phar- Youth: Christopher Christian, macy and Health Sciences. College Day Kebeh Kpou, Farrad McLaughlin was signifi cant for not only the exposure it provided to the students, but also because, Program Models: Year-Round as College Access and Career Readiness Di- and Work & Learning rector Jessica Brown states, “Many students Christopher had never been outside of Philadelphia.” Christian Provider & Worksite: Universi- That fact was echoed by Christopher, a ty of Pennsylvania’s Netter Center 12th grader, who considered the college for Community Partnerships visits not only as opportunities to view potential schools, but also as “a chance to get hristopher Christian, Kebah Kpou out and go to new places. It was different Cand Farrad McLauglin all came to the than what we normally do.” He plans to University of Pennsylvania’s Netter Center study culinary arts after high school. Upon for Community Partnerships with previous graduating from college, “I want to open work experiences. Christopher worked in a up and run my own restaurant.” pizza shop. Kebeh participated in another WorkReady program. Farrad did odd jobs, “I learned about colleges and what they including assisting at construction sites and expect and the steps that you have to take shoveling snow before he began participat- if you want to go to a good school,” says ing in WorkReady at the beginning of his Kebeh, an 11th grade student. Kebeh 10th grade year. The driving force behind also participates in the Netter Center’s their interest in the WorkReady was more year-round WorkReady program. “I want Kebeh to own my own business in Fashion,” than just to occupy their summer. These Kpou Sayre High School students were each she says. I want to be the boss because I interested in acquiring the tools necessary want people to work for me.” As a result, to secure a bright Kebeh wants to go to future. The Center’s a school that focuses WorkReady sum- on the artistic side of mer program was We really learned fashion, but where designed to do just she can also delve that. how to work better into the business component of the New Places with people and industry. The college In a typical week, tours allowed Kebeh students participat- groups to get things to see that she has ed in peer-editing more options than of college essays, accomplished. she initially consid- resume-writing and ered: “I was set to lessons covering go to school in New college and fi nancial aid documents. They York, but then we went on the college Farrad also engaged in hands-on activities in trips and I saw other schools and what they computer labs located in the collegiate halls offered. They showed me that a school in McLaughlin of University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton New York is my main choice, but there are School of Business. Each day, the partici- other places that I can apply to.” pants received a specifi c skill-building task related to college entry, with time built-in Preparing for the Future for meeting with University of Pennsylvania An overall objective of the summer pro- undergraduate students who served as col- gram was to prepare youth to be able to lege access mentors, participating in group complete the process of applying to college discussions, and refl ecting on the day’s on their own. Lessons and activities were accomplishments. There were also weekly aimed at teaching students to navigate col- debates where teams of youth argued dif- lege websites to retrieve needed informa- ferent sides of educational issues. tion, identify trustworthy sources when conducting research on the Internet, and But Friday, “College Day,” was the most write essays for college applications. Of his exciting day of the week according to experience, Farrad says,“It has enlightened participants. That was when the students me about the path to take to get to my took weekly fi eld trips to colleges local and ideal career. I’ve done research, but here, afar, ranging from campuses in Southeast- I’ve learned to do more research to see ern Pennsylvania to universities in Boston, what steps I want to take.” >> Maryland and New York. They visited a

25 Project Winner List Celebration 21st Century Technology and Career Education he Closing Celebration is an annual event that marks the end of T 1st Career Fair in the Community the WorkReady program year and Provider/Worksite: Congreso de Latinos recognizes the accomplishments of Unidos the hundreds of youth who developed exemplary projects and 2nd The Exploration of High Growth Industries

Closing portfolios during summer and year- Provider/Worksite: Free Library of round programs. Philadelphia

At this year’s event, held on August 13 at the Pennsylvania Convention 3rd Building a Car, Building a Community Provider/Worksite: Congreso de Latinos Center, more than 600 students displayed their culminating work at the Unidos Projects and Portfolios Fair. Each project and portfolio was specially selected to be displayed in the Fair and to compete in one of nine content Beautiﬁ cation of Our Local categories: Communities

21st Century Technology and Career Education 1st Trash in Fashion Provider: EducationWorks Beautiﬁ cation of Our Local Communities Worksite: Tanner Duckrey School Culture and the Arts Education and Mentoring 2nd Where We Were, Where We Are, and Where We Are Going? Go Green Provider: Philadelphia Futures Health and Wellness Worksite: Holy Family University Internships 3rd Mural Arts: Big Picture Saving Our Environment Provider: City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Social Action Program Worksite: Asian Arts Initiative

The projects reflected both the students’ Culture and the Arts summer career exploration and their development of academic skills. The portfolios 1st Culture and the Arts documented mastery of 21st Century skills Provider: Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Inc and other competencies considered key to Worksite: Culinary Arts/Incarnation of success in postsecondary education and Our Lord Church careers. Individuals representing businesses Education and Mentoring and organizations from across the region served as judges, reviewing the Fair entries 1st Risk Watch: Open Your Eyes and speaking to the young people to learn Provider: EducationWorks more about how and why they developed Worksite: South Philadelphia High School their presentation. 2nd A Guide to Philadelphia Youth Assessing The ProjectsPr and Portfolios Fair was followed by the College Provider: University of Pennsylvania- AwardsAward Ceremony honoring the winners in each cat- Barbara and Edward Netter Center for egory.egory For the first time, this portion of the event was Community Partnerships plannedplann and presented entirely by young people. The Worksite: University of Pennsylvania PhiladelphiaPhila Youth Network Ambassadors – a group Netter Center for Community Partnerships College Access and Career of youngy people who represent and advocate on Readiness Program at University of behalfbeh of Philadelphia youth – were charged with Pennsylvania thisthi responsibility, and carried it out with consider- ableab success. The Ceremony also included a youth 3rd Kids N Funw spokensp word performance; a report by the Youth Provider: Indochinese American Council AmbassadorsA Research Team on program partici- Worksite: Indochinese American Council at St. Helena Elementary School pantp satisfaction; and a new routine from the Rightful Place Dance Ensemble, comprised of Go Green staff and WorkReady youth participants. 1st Green is In Provider: Philadelphia Department of Recreation Worksite: Eastwick Regional Park 26 continued from page 25 >> ing together during the summer. “The 2nd Green is In importance of teamwork!” Farrad ex- Farrad, a sophomore, dreams of a future Provider: Philadelphia Department of claimed. “You don’t need to always be in in Sports Management. “My ideal career Recreation charge in order to get things done right.” would be to work in the front offi ce for a Worksite: Carmella Playground Christopher added, “We really learned professional basketball how to work better team as either a Scout 3rd Teens Going Green with people and Manager or a General Provider: Communities In Schools of groups to get things Manager. After that, Philadelphia, Inc. accomplished.” In I want to be a Sports It has enlightened Worksite: Simon Gratz High School, Men Kebeh’s words: “I Agent.” He appreci- of Distinction/Ladies of Liberty learned how to work ates the connections me about the path with people that I that he has made as Health and Wellness usually didn’t talk to a result of being on to take to get to or get along with.” a college campus. In 1st You Are What You Eat my ideal career. All three young particular, he points Provider: Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia people feel that the out the value of “net- Worksite: Frankford Boys & Girls Club I’ve done research, program gave them working with some more knowledge and of the Penn students but here, I’ve 2nd Health Care courage to effectively and getting to know Provider/Worksite: St. Christopher’s approach their post- what steps they took learned to do more Hospital for Children secondary journey. and what paths they research to see are taking.” 3rd How Youth Are Affected by the Recession “That’s what our pro- Provider: Philadelphia Housing Authority what steps I want gram is about,” says Teamwork Worksite: Vare Middle School Program Director Jes- Christopher, Ke- to take. sica Brown. “Open- bah and Farrad Internships ing up opportunities, worked on a team providing a massive that completed a 1st Project MILK: Messages to Instill amount of information, helping students project during their six-week summer Lifelong Knowledge to become their own agents in their suc- experience that was titled College Bound Worksite: Saul Ewing, LLC cess, getting them to realize that they Philadelphia. The goal of the project hold the key—not to sound cliché—but was to obtain a youth perspective on the Saving Our Environment you hold the key to your own destiny. You barriers that prevent young people from have to get up and feel confi dent enough graduating from high school and going 1st Caring for the Environment to create your own future.” Provider: Caring People Alliance (in to college. The project was designed to partnership with Nu Sigma Youth be aligned with Project U-Turn, a city- Services) wide initiative aimed at focusing public Worksite: Samuel A. Gompers Elementary attention on Philadelphia’s dropout crisis School and to designing strategies and leverag- About the Worksite ing investments to resolve it. Students 2nd Environmental Management The Netter Center for Community Partner- did their own scholarly research on the ships has been engaged in an innovative Provider: Temple University – The Philadelphia high-school dropout crisis, Information Technology and Society effort to connect the academic mission of research that included reading summa- Research Group the University of Pennsylvania with the aspi- ries of major Project U-Turn reports. The rations of the West Philadelphia community Worksite: Temple University young people were assisted with inter- in which it resides. The Netter Center’s wide- ranging initiatives aim to make a measurable 3rd Conserving Our Environments preting the language and statistics of the reports, after which they conducted focus difference in the lives of those involved. Pro- Provider/Worksite: Student Conservation grams and efforts of the Center foster long- groups—with the help of staff—at all 13 Association term, action-oriented partnerships between of the Netter Center worksites. The team schools, neighborhoods and universities. Social Action asked their peers questions about college Overall, the Netter Center works to improve and high school perceptions, their knowl- the internal coordination and collaboration 1st Journey through the Northwest edge of the dropout crisis and their own of all university-wide community service programs, create new and effective partnerships Provider: Foundations encounters with classmates, friends and between the University and the community, Worksite: Kid Zone/Martin Luther King family members dropping out of school. From their research, they developed A and create and strengthen local, national High School and international networks of institutions of Guide to College for Philadelphia Youth. higher education committed to engagement 2nd We Are World The project won 2nd Place at the Closing with their local communities. Provider: Philadelphia Futures Celebration in the Education and Mentor- Worksite: Offi ce of State Representative ing category. Students will continue to In Summer 2009, 189 youth participated in Cherelle L. Parker develop the guide during the school year the Netter Center’s WorkReady-supported portion of the year-round program. College Access and Career Readiness 3rd Gentrifi cation vs. Beautifi cation Program; 50 of those young people will Provider: LULAC The students learned a lot from their peers continue their WorkReady experience during the school year in the Netter Center’s the Worksite: Norris Square Civic Association in the process of researching and work- at Hunter School Agatston Urban Nutrition Initiative (AUNI).

27 Philadelphia Youth Network

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