Work Skills Today for a Better Tomorrow
The Greater Wichita YMCA's FREE Job Prep program, funded by the Strong Communities Campaign, gets teens between the ages of 15-17 ready for work with training, development, and certifications in the classroom and time and experience in the workplace. Participants in the program will learn to:
- Find and review job postings, and prepare and submit an application;
- Tips and skills on how to stand out during the interview process;
- Dress for success and work well with others in any situation;
- Manage their money and prepare for the future - at work and in life;
- First Aid and CPR certification at no cost.
Job Prep classes meet for two hours once a week. At the completion of the program, teens who have successfully passed each stage will be given a certificate of completion in front of family and friends at a graduation ceremony. All Job Prep graduates will be first in line for summer job interviews with YMCA branches and YMCA community partners such as the Sedgwick County Zoo, M & M Insurance, City of Wichita OJ Watson Park, Exploration Place and many more. Graduates can work up to 25 hours/week for 10 weeks during the summer.
In addition to Job Prep classes being offered at Y branches, Job Prep has expanded into Wichita Public Schools high schools (North, South, West, Southeast, Heights and Imagine Academy) for after-school classes and into Goddard Public Schools (Goddard Academy) for after-lunch classes.
Job Prep sessions at Y branches are for teens ages 15-17 (must turn 15 by June 1). Job Prep sessions at high schools are for teens ages 16-17 (must turn 16 by June 1).
To apply for class, contact Nicole Hernandez at 316-776-8179 or email nicole.hernandez@ymcawichita.org.
Space is limited per location.
Sponsor a Job Prep Student
For some teens, a job can mean food on the family table, the possibility of college or a chance to make positive choices. The Y’s free job training program for ages 15-17 teaches teens the skills to secure and maintain a job. The experience inspires students to set and reach goals that have a life-long impact. Sponsor a student for the year for $2,500.