Kids Gain Life and Career Skills through Workforce Readiness

Erol Onel
2 min readJun 28, 2022

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America opens its doors to young people who need a safe place to have fun but to also learn. In order to assist kids and teens in the community who are in need, the organization has developed a workforce readiness program that aims to prepare individuals for life after high school.

Through the workforce readiness initiative, participants choose to join one of three development programs that will give them skills they need to find success in their adult lives.

Career Launch

Teen students who want to explore their career opportunities take part in Career Launch. The program, designed for kids between the ages of 13 and 18, allows young people to learn about the opportunities ahead and what skills and education they’ll need to achieve in those roles. Those who join the program have access to mentors as well as job training and internships.

Money Matters

The Money Matters program offers an opportunity for Club members between 13 and 18 to learn about responsible money management. It teaches participants how to oversee a checking account, create and follow a budget, and invest with confidence. The initiative means to promote financial security among young people to help them find success.

diplomas2Degrees

Finally, diplomas2Degrees allows participants to prepare for college. The program gives students the tools they need to progress past a high school education and transition easily into a post-secondary education. The goal is to lead more students toward a college degree and prosper through a career. As part of that, the initiative supports students who require financial assistance and connects them with mentors who can guide them through the college experience.

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Erol Onel

A physician in La Jolla, CA focused on pharmaceutical development, Erol Onel, MD, most recently served Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc.