Y.O.U. Stories
Gallery Owner Connects Youth to Neighborhood
Our Summer Youth Employment Program is more than just a summer job. It’s an experience. Youth are matched with business mentors in our community who expose them to career paths, teach them to carry themselves as young professionals, and provide them with opportunities to learn to thrive in the workplace.
Green Teens: CLE Superheroes
Some of Cleveland's finest youth participated this year in the Mayor Frank G. Jackson Summer Youth Employment Program. "Keeping It Green" is a collaboration of teens working in multiple city departments.
Congratulations, E CITY Winners!
Congratulations to E CITY students Re’Allatee Gambrell, Luis Galvan, and Ben Pacheco, recipients of the Charles R. McDonald Award and the David G. Hill Scholarship.
Former Prime Time Participant Inspires Maple Heights ECAC High School
After nine years in the U.S. Navy, special recognition from President Barack Obama, and an undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland, Information System Technician First Class Evan Jackson has come a long way since his days in Y.O.U.’s Prime Time program. Now, armed with real-world knowledge and experience, Evan is giving back to the organization he credits as an integral part of his success.
Congratulations, Onyango Pearl! JAG National Competition Winner
Please join us in extending congratulations to Onyango Pearl, who took home top honors at the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) National Leadership Competition. Onyango won first place in the Public Speaking event.
Achieving Success One Case at a Time
Y.O.U.’s Case Managers are creating a culture of encouragement, empowerment, and success for participants in the Day One program. Day One is designed for young adults 17-24 who have graduated high school but are not enrolled in further study or employed. Participants receive training to earn an industry-recognized credential and an internship or job in their selected career path.
I.C.Y.M.I.: Possible U Highlights Y.O.U.'s Day One Program
WKYC Cleveland recently highlighted Y.O.U.'s Day One programs as part of its Possible U series. The piece featured Aaron Cartledge, a former Y.O.U. participant, who found a pathway to success through the Day One program with a focus on phlebotomy.
I.C.Y.M.I.: E CITY Young Entrepreneur Appears on Fox 8
E CITY Young Entrepreneur Christian Padierna featured his award winning ‘CP’s Chimichurri’ on Fox 8.
JOG Graduate Sets His Sites on Mercyhurst University
When Adrien Grant stepped to the microphone to deliver his award-winning speech at the Youth Career Olympics Victory Celebration, he knew what he wanted to do; inspire his fellow competitors to take small steps that can lead to big bonuses in life.
In Case You Missed It: Y.O.U. Resources Featured on WKYC News
Y.O.U.'s Day One program and the Young Adult Resource Center were recently featured on 'Possible U.' 'Possible U' is a partnership between The Cleveland Foundation and WKYC News profiling organizations providing workforce opportunities to Northeast Ohio residents.
Congratulations, Graduates! JOG Students Collect Diplomas
High school graduation is a significant milestone for any graduating senior but especially for those students who’ve worked particularly hard to overcome personal and educational barriers to claim their diplomas. At high schools in Cleveland, East Cleveland, Painesville, Maple Heights, and Euclid, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates (JOG) students are walking the stage and moving their graduation cap tassels from right to left.
Glenville High School's Adrien Grant Wins First Place in Public Speaking
Every year, Youth Career Olympics concludes with the first place winner of the Public Speaking event presenting their speech to an auditorium full of students, sponsors, volunteers, and community members. Adrien Grant, a Glenville High School senior, took top honors in Public Speaking and wowed the audience with his powerful message of getting ahead by getting started.
Student Perspective: JOG at Euclid High School
As a Euclid High School sophomore, Darion Shepherd was nervous, reserved, and quiet when he first stepped into a JOG Program classroom filled with seniors. “There were a lot of seniors, and they were loud. Back then, I was quiet. I didn’t really talk a lot. Then I got comfortable and realized the program was really good, and I became more open, and I started talking more.”
Summer of Success: 2,577 employees at 532 sites!
Although the school year is in full swing, we would like to take a moment to look back on our summer employment successes!
'Road to NYC': E CITY Winner Prepares for NFTE Competition
This past May, Kyndra Collins earned the title of E CITY Young Entrepreneur of the Year and will compete in the NFTE 2016 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. Kyndra is CEO of Motion, selling all-natural body wash with 24-hour moisturizing capabilities.
Y.O.U. Alum Uses Experiences to Build Bright Future
Toni Airaksinen, an alum of our summer jobs program, is a shining example of the importance of youth employment.
Career Coaches Receive JAG Honors
Youth Opportunities Unlimited is very proud to announce that two of its JOG Career Coaches were recognized at the July 2016 Jobs for America's National Training Seminar, our national affiliate.