Saving Lives through Youth Guidance & Development

YouthForce is a career development program dedicated to leveling the professional playing field for underserved youth, empowering them to develop a vision for their future and providing them the experiences to believe they can, and the resources and networks to achieve it. 

YouthForce (YF) programs integrate adult coaching and mentoring; skill building workshops and hands on work experience in paid internships to develop the assets and competencies that low income and minority teens need to achieve their educational and career potential.

Our program officially kicked off in March and is possible thanks the generous support of Key Bank.  Interested Club teens, who are in good academic standing, submitted applications and participated in two interviews.  Originally 16 teens were hired, but that number has grown to 21.  The goal is to hire those who normally wouldn't have access to such opportunities; teens who need this chance the most, teens who might be the first family member planning on attending college.

Once hired, teens must commit to attending monthly classes, held at various Boys & Girls Club locations, through YouthForce University which actively expands educational opportunities and engages teens in planning for their future. The workshops and weekly drop in hours prepare teens to develop and achieve their post-high-school plans. YFU includes Financial Literary components taught by Key Bank volunteers.  

Thanks to a partnership with the Portland Timbers Soccer Team, our teens are part of the Team Work Internship Program.  This program offers teens meaningful entry-level work experiences at Providence Park and is supported by adult mentorship, positive peer and professional networks, and on-the-job training. Teens serve as Guest Service attendants during Portland Timbers FC and Portland Thorns FC home games.  

Starting in the fall, our teens will participate in the Career Internship Program which offers teens paid internship opportunities at local businesses supported by individualized training and coaching from YF staff. Career Internships develop teens’ career confidence, professional networks, and builds the competencies that employers want and that equip teens for career success.

The YouthForce program is opening doors to our underserved teens, giving them the opportunity to rise up and have a chance at a successful future.