Funding to support yearlong college and career planning program to propel students toward thriving careers and upward mobility
Washington, D.C., April 4, 2024 – Genesys Works National Capital Region (NCR), a leading youth career readiness program, announced a $150,000 grant from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. The grant will support the organization in expanding opportunities for students from underserved communities to access pathways to upward mobility, including providing resources to enable postsecondary education success.
“Career readiness, and quality internship opportunities in particular, are a major variable in educational equity,” said Gina Osorio Wallace, Program Manager of Grants and Community Relations with the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “We’re impressed with the preparation Genesys Works offers to young students and are proud to call them partners.”
“We are grateful to the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation for recognizing the meaningful impact of our work in equipping young people with the skills, resources, and network necessary to achieve long-term economic sustainability,” said Selvon Waldron, Executive Director of Genesys Works NCR.
The funding arrives at a pivotal time for Genesys Works, which has received nearly double the number of applications for its 2024 program as high schoolers increasingly prioritize professional development that leads to job opportunities.
The program’s new partnership with Alexandria Public Schools further solidifies its commitment to expanding its impact in the region.
“We are seeing a remarkable trend in the demand for talent, particularly in sectors such as satellite technology, as well as a growing emphasis on work-based learning initiatives in the region,” said Waldron. “Our program equips students with future-proof skills, along with college and career navigation support, aligning with the evolving demands of the workforce.”
While companies report grappling with how to engage Gen Z talent, feedback from Genesys Works corporate partners highlights the value of investing in early career talent.
“This is the best class of interns we have ever had,” said Aldwin Lindsay, CFO of Children’s National Hospital. “What sets Genesys Works interns apart from other entry-level staff is their unparalleled hunger for opportunity and rigorous preparation.”
With eight weeks of intensive training and ongoing support throughout their internships, Genesys Works NCR ensures its interns become valuable contributors to companies. Nationwide, 93% of Genesys Works participants enroll in college, and earn a median income of $60,000/year seven years post-program.
About Genesys Works
Genesys Works provides pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities. Our program consists of 8 weeks of technical and professional skills training, paid year-long corporate internships, college and career coaching, and long-term alumni support to move individuals out of economic inequality and into professional careers. Founded in 2002, Genesys Works now serves thousands of students annually in Houston, Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul, the San Francisco Bay Area, Washington’s National Capital Region, New York City, and Tulsa. To learn more, visit genesysworks.org.
Contact
Vinette Brown, 202.951.8905 vbrown@genesysworks.org
