Youth Opportunity Pathways (YOP).

WHAT IS YOUTH OPPORTUNITY PATHWAYS (YOP)?

United Way Bay Area partners with nonprofit agencies and schools in the Bay Area to connect youth and young adults to career exploration and readiness opportunities. We recruit volunteers from our corporate partners to provide a variety of skill development workshops, such as resume writing, mock interviewing, and career demos. Our vision is for youth to have ownership and voice in their own futures, and we can only do this through engaging youth and continuing to listen to their voices. We will make sure that youth are included in spaces where they can co-create career exploration opportunities and UWBA programming.

Helping youth in these ways:

EXPLORE CAREERS

CONNECT TO CAREER PATHS

ACCESS RESOURCES

PROGRAM FACTS + IMPACT

On Track

On Track was originally developed in partnership with the San Francisco Unified School District’s African American Achievement and Leadership Initiative that was designed to expose rising 9th and 10th graders to careers and employers and make their education relevant to their futures.

After several focus groups with youth and exploring different potential interventions, we agreed that intentional career exploration, and facilitating the connection to their current programming in high school may help students engage more in their education.

On Track aims to expose youth to a variety of careers and connect them with adult mentors with similar lived experiences by featuring hands-on exhibits and career coaching.

Resume workshops and mock interviews

Participants can get help creating a resume or get their existing resume reviewed by professionals. Attendees practice their interview skills and receive feedback from professionals. 

Career tours, demos, and panels

Youth do an on-site workplace visit and meet with professionals for an informational session about the company. A variety of professionals speak about their personal background, career experiences, and answer questions about their industries. Professionals host an interactive activity related to their job while sharing information about their industry. Participants receive all necessary materials to follow along with the demonstration. 

Hiring events

Group hiring events allow youth to apply and interview for jobs with a UWBA employer partner.

Internships

Youth are matched with our employer partners for an 8 weeklong paid summer internship. During this time, United Way Bay Area supports the professional development of youth by providing weekly workshops on job skills and financial literacy

HEAR FROM OUR PAST STUDENTS!

“I enjoyed the experience and learned a lot of valuable knowledge"

   “Even though some people would be nervous to talk or speak out, the adults reach out to get the youth to participate and as a shy person I appreciate that.”

HOW TO GET INVOLVED?

Community partners: Is your organization interested in having your youth attend On Track or other Career Exploration opportunities? UWBA partners with non-profit organizations, school sites, and school districts to provide Career Exploration opportunities. Along with On Track, UWBA hosts Career Tours, Career Panels, Resume Workshops, Mock Interviews, and Hiring Events throughout the year. If you are interested in hosting an event for youth and young adults, please contact Mandy Lew.

Volunteers: If you would like to support youth by volunteering at On Track or other Career Exploration Events, please check out our UWBA volunteer page for current opportunities. Opportunities can include live resume reviews, speaking on a Career Panel, or hosting an interactive demo activity related to your industry.

Employers: If you are interested in hosting a Career Exploration event with your  team, please  contact our Volunteer team. If you are interested in hosting a hiring event for youth and young adults, please contact Mandy Lew.

Youth Opportunity Pathways (YOP)