Pictured above: Alajha Farmer, 17, a Lincoln Park Academy student works during the summer at the St. Lucie County administrative office as part of the 'Into the Future' summer workforce readiness program.
There is nothing more rewarding than doing something you love while earning a paycheck for it. A teen’s first experience at being employed begins an array of positive traits, including independence, responsibility, interpersonal skills, and a good work ethic.
Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County (BGCSLC) is at the forefront of making sure the teens in St. Lucie County know about this path, know how to get on the path, and once on the path have an understanding how to navigate it to become successful.
Through partnerships with St. Lucie County, Career Source Research Coast, Economic Development Council of SLC, the City of Fort Pierce, Allegany Franciscan Ministries, Bank of America, and Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County, teens are engaged in a workforce readiness programming and employment opportunities as part of BGC’s ‘Into the Future’ program.
“We were able to put 50 St. Lucie County youth to work this Summer in the St. Lucie Works Program. These students are performing work in all capacities from the County Administrator’s office to being group leaders with the BGCSLC, and even helping with Parks and Recreation facilities throughout the County,” said Doug Baber, St. Lucie County Human Resources Director.
While at the Club each week, one of the programs available to teens is ‘Train Up First, an engaging program for to help develop their emotional intelligence in working with others for them to be successful in a work environment. Each Friday, Club members participate in soft skill training and virtual workforce readiness fieldtrips.
“The St. Lucie Economic Development Council is proud and excited to partner with the BGCSLC and St. Lucie Public Schools on the 2020 Virtual Ready to Work Bootcamp. Amidst the uncertainty and troubles of the COVID-19 economy, career opportunities in manufacturing offer our graduates sustainable and gratifying careers in this very dynamic industry sector. There are excellent jobs now available with our local manufacturers and this Bootcamp will be a quick way to jump-start the career process,” said Pete Tesch, President, EDC of St. Lucie County.
“We are honored to work alongside our community partners to provide summer employment opportunities to youth here in St. Lucie County,” said CareerSource Research Coast President and CEO Brian Bauer. “Youth have been disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic; therefore, the need for such programs is greater now more than ever.”
“The Club understands the complex needs of teens in our community and provides opportunities for them to be introduced to workforce readiness and earn their first source of income. Our strength as an organization is engaging teens that are most in need and bringing partners to the table that want to have a positive impact on their lives through mentorship.” said Will Armstead, CEO of BGCSLC.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County
Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County is a non-profit organization with 20 Club locations, serving more than 15,000 diverse youth K-12 throughout the year with life-enriching programs. MISSION: To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
With 20 locations throughout the county, Boys & Girls Clubs programs serve a diverse group of kids from grades K-12. We serve 15,000 youth throughout the year from a variety of backgrounds. We invite you to be part of something wonderful as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary with a campaign to provide world-class clubs, life-enriching programs and improved transportation to access these opportunities outside their neighborhoods. Please see for yourself by taking a tour of an area club by calling 772-460-9918 or visiting www.bgcofslc.org or at www.facebook.com/bgcofslc.
