East Liberty nonprofit Youth Enrichment Services Named 2019 Champion in Action
“Trib Total Media recognizes the power of the mentorship provided to young people in the Pittsburgh region by Youth Enrichment Services.”
— Jennifer Bertetto, Trib Total Media President and CEO
By Courier Editor, March 4, 2019
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Youth Enrichment Services (YES), a nonprofit providing socially and economically at-risk youth the opportunity to achieve success through participation in mentorship, education and enrichment programs, has been named a 2019 Champion in Action in the category of Youth Leadership. The award, announced jointly by Citizens Bank, WPXI-TV, Trib Total Media and Pittsburgh Cares, includes $35,000 in unrestricted funding as well as promotional and volunteer support for the organization’s outstanding work, according to a release.
Youth Enrichment Services (YES) provides empowerment, experiential opportunities, academic enrichment and summer employment as positive pathways to future success. YES partners with local organizations to create synergy and generates transformative stories, national accolades and positive research outcomes.
The Pathways to Access Program
Employability Preparation
The Pathways to Access Program (PAP) is a workforce development program that exposes 9–12 graders to a variety of career experience and allows them to develop skills necessary to enter the workforce. Through year-round mentorship, project-based learning experiences, and other skill development opportunities students gain the knowledge about careers that interest them while receiving financial incentives for program participation. Each cohort receives specific outcomes based on their grade level.
Guiding Framework:
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Exposing youth to variety of careers
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Broadening workforce experiences and career opportunities
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Instilling strengths-based spirit of excellence
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Providing year-round mentorship
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Engaging the community
Other Program Components:
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Workforce development
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Job shadowing
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Paid work experience
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Project-based learning apprenticeships
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Career counseling
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Home visits
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School visits
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Mentorship
Students Engage In:
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Monthly workforce development training
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Monthly career spotlight events
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Monthly job shadowing
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Monthly career counseling sessions
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Various hours of paid work experience and project-based opportunities
Program Length:
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September – June
Eligibility Status:
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9th – 12th grade
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14 – 18 years old (in school youth)
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Allegheny County residence
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Curious about different career industries