Restoring Opportunities Internships (ROI)
Today’s youth employment and career development system continues to overlook a key portion of America’s talent: under-resourced, academically achieving teens who neither qualify for risk based programs or have access to social networks that can offer employment opportunities.
National studies confirm that teen work experience has a positive impact on high-school graduation rates, college enrollment, career development, and long-term success. However, teen employment rates continue to fall, especially among minority teens. Low income and minority teens tend to have few connections or little to no access to jobs beyond the service industries.
StepUp created the Restoring Opportunities Internships (ROI) program to fill the gap in career readiness and professionalism that many students do not receive in school or from parents/guardians. ROI provides mentoring, guidance, and hands-on support to help high school students and recent grads to build confidence and recognize their strengths. From there, students can be connected to job-shadowing experiences, paid internships, and part-time or full-time employment opportunities. The program is designed to equip youth with the tools, confidence, networks, and professional skills they need to thrive in their future careers!
In addition, StepUp’s ROI program is designed to provide 360% of community support- meeting the unique needs of teens, employers, parents, schools, and youth programs. Here’s how:
Through the ROI program, teens gain access to relevant career experience, with mentors and professional networks, and income for family needs and college. These experiences are proven to build confidence, determination, and achievement.
Employers will gain valuable assistance from motivated teens, the morale boost of making a difference, and full service recruiting, mentoring, and education services from StepUp Wilmington that make it easy for youth and employers to learn and earn.
To ensure that teens grow in their internships, in school, and at home- our before, during and after assessments gather feedback from students, teachers, employers, and parents to help design action plans that solve youth challenges or promote strategic growth past their internship duties.
Contact:
Blair@stepupwilmington.org
Where/Who are these internships with?
We have great connections with employers in the field of IT, Healthcare, STEM, Law, Business, Finance, Hospitality, Marketing, Government, and many more
Our partnerships have been with Live Oak Bank, Novant, Ward & Smith Law Firm, MegaCorp, AvanceCare, Monteith Construction, LS3P, EmergeOrtho and more.
