Goodwill Industries of San Diego County is launching its 2023 Summer Youth Program to assist and support young adults, ages 16 to 25, who are ready to develop work and “soft” skills needed to secure employment in the current job market.
The free program provides students with a Goodwill Career Advisor to help develop a custom employment plan and résumé as well as help them prepare for interviews and obtaining a job offer.
In addition, students have the option to participate in Goodwill’s Job Readiness Program, which includes Exceptional Customer Service, Workplace Communication, Conflict Resolution and Bank of America’s Financial Literacy workshops.
Students interested in participating or learning more about the program can make an appointment with a Career Advisor by visiting sdgoodwill.org or stopping by any of the five San Diego County Goodwill Community Employment Centers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, San Diego County’s current unemployment rate is 3.5 percent, including those residents 16+ years of age who are not working but are able, available and actively looking for work.
Goodwill San Diego started the Summer Youth Program in the summer of 2022 and was able to serve 131 young adults.
This year, the program’s goal is to serve 150 young adults, an increase of 14.5 with at least 65% of the participants (97 individuals) placed into jobs during the summer of 2023.
VP of Human Services
Goodwill San Diego
“Goodwill San Diego Career Advisors are well equipped and trained to provide our youth with the skills they need to gain valuable work experience,” said Fabia Parkinson, VP of Human Services.
“Our Centers also provide free soft skill workshops including Résumé Builder, Ace the Interview, Workplace Communication, Conflict Resolution and Bank of America’s Better Money Habits to prepare our youth for the workplace,” Parkinson added. “Appointments are available in-person or online — and in English or Spanish.”
Partial funding for the program was provided by Bank of America.
In addition to the opportunity to work closely with a Goodwill Career Advisor and enroll in Goodwill’s Job Readiness Program, students in the program can participate in Bank of America’s Better Money Habits workshops, which are taught by local Bank of America financial experts.
The workshops help teach students how to budget, save and manage their money. Once participants finish the coursework, they will earn a certificate of completion that signifies readiness for the workplace. Those who complete the full program will be encouraged to apply for available part-time positions at Goodwill San Diego as well as with other local employers.
President
Bank of America San Diego
Career advisors will remain actively involved in assisting program participants in gaining important work experience.
“Bank of America San Diego partners with Goodwill and their Summer Youth Program to help local youth gain valuable workplace skills and real work experiences,” said Rick Bregman, president of Bank of America San Diego. “This is just one way that we help the community and youth on their path to economic mobility.”
Goodwill Industries of San Diego County is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit that operates retail stores, outlet centers and an eCommerce platform, shopgoodwill.com, to generate revenue for free employment programs and other services for the San Diego community.
Goodwill Industries of San Diego County
FOUNDED: 1930
CEO: Toni Giffin
HEADQUARTERS: San Diego
EMPLOYEES: 1,300 (nationally)
BUSINESS: Nonprofit
WEBSITE: sdgoodwill.org
CONTACT: 619.225.2200
NOTABLE: The organization’s Community Employment Centers and their services receive 100 percent of their funding via revenue from Goodwill San Diego’s retail stores, outlets and clearance center.
