About the Program
On April 27, 2014, President Obama presented Prince George's County with a $7 million grant from the United States Department of Labor and the Department of Education through the Youth CareerConnect program. The County was one of 24 recipients in the country to receive funding designed for high schools and their partners to develop innovative and creative programs that prepare students for success in a highly competitive global workforce. Approximately 2,500 students at Bladensburg, Fairmont Heights, and Potomac high schools will obtain the skills and knowledge to successfully begin careers in Healthcare and Information Technology (IT).
The Youth CareerConnect program is designed to strengthen career and college readiness by changing the high school experience. Through Youth CareerConnect, the educational emphasis is to provide students with lessons and curriculum that prepare students for challenging careers in Healthcare and IT.
With support from many community partners including industry leading employers, Bowie State University and Prince George's Community College, Prince George's County Public School Career Academies will strengthen their program by providing better connections to high growth, in-demand careers. This structured program will enable the public schools to develop new partnerships with colleges and employers making sure that the skills needed in the workforce are taught in the schools. Youth CareerConnect prepares our youth for in-demand jobs now and in the future.
Program Goals
- Ensure that students gain academic and occupational skills by completing the program and graduating from high school
- Job placement after graduation in their identified area of career preparation (IT or Healthcare)
- Acquire an industry recognized credential in IT or Healthcare in addition to high school diploma
- Students earn college credits towards a degree or a credit-bearing certificate
Student/Participant Benefits
- Summer employment opportunities (with wages)
- Earning college credit while in high school
- College-based career counseling
- Individualized Graduation Plan
- Participation in Prince George's County Public School Career Academies
- Targeted curriculum that prepares students for specific career paths
- Individualizing career and academic mentoring
- Internships and On-The-Job Training (OJT)
Youth CareerConnect Partners
- Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation
- Prince George's County Government
- Prince George's County Public Schools
- ASHLIN Urban Institute
- Hillside Work-Scholarship Conncetion
- Latin American Youth Center
- The Maryland Center at Bowie State University
- Prince George's Community College
Program Contact Information
ycc@co.pg.md.us or 240-455-3824