CAREER EXPLORERS

History of The Program

The Career Explorers program began in 2003 when EmPOWERment, Inc. identified lack of employment opportunities as a major barrier for minority and low to moderate income youth. In a county-wide youth summit the same year, young people vocalized concern about the lack of jobs. EmPOWERment, Inc. approached local business owners with the idea of hiring youth with little to no experience and employing them as interns throughout the summer.

Community business partners agreed to create paid intern positions and provide the program participants with valuable work experience while increasing the local job pool and impacting the lives of local teenagers.

In the first year of the program, EmPOWERment, Inc. was able to pair five interns with community partners. With each ensuing year, the program has grown and developed. As of the summer of 2019, the Career Explorers program has created over 150 jobs for youth in the community.

How career explorers spend their summer

As full time employees, Career Explorers spend 36 hours per week on site with their employer and four hours per week with Career Explorer program staff. During these four hours, students have an opportunity to share their work experiences, ask questions and participate in valuable workshops that teach a variety of life skills including financial literacy, budgeting, personal etiquette, leadership, civic awareness, resume writing, and conflict resolution. These four hour sessions take place on Fridays and consist of presentations from experienced guest speakers and tours of local businesses.

PAST Community business Partners

We are proud to say that every summer since the program began, at least one Career Explorer has been offered a permanent position or has been requested for the following summer by their employer.

Not only do we provide jobs, but we also provide a great foundation for students entering the workforce. Our goal is that participants will gain valuable life and career experience throughout the program and beyond.