Workforce Lab

The Young Adult Program (YAP) serving high school youth through post-high school seeks to keep students thriving and preparing for life beyond high school—wherever that takes them.

In the summer, PSM offers the Workforce Lab Program—a financial capability program for young high schoolers to exercise soft job skills and set goals in an environment that is shaped by the Gospel. The purpose is to help build a talent pipeline and keep students thriving and consistently preparing for life beyond high school as they enter the workforce. In 2022, Workforce Lab will celebrate its 7th year. Since it began in 2016, 42 high school students completed financial courses and opened bank accounts.

For eight weeks, students participate in experiential learning through:

• opening their own bank accounts and making deposits
• creating resumes for themselves and practicing interview skills through mock interviews
• exploring different career options
  field trips to colleges, trade schools, and STEM industries
• completing a series of financial fitness boot camps
• connections to other nonprofits and each other
• attending etiquette lunches

In addition, Workforce Lab participants earn actual paychecks in the form of stipends. These stipends will be matched (minimum of 50%) when the students graduate on-time from high school. The goal is to help students learn about saving and develop the habit of saving now before they officially enter the workforce. These young people also learn about responsibility. Infractions and inappropriate behavior mean they may not get their full stipends.

Workforce Lab is made possible through the prayers and support of many.

The 2022 Summer Workforce Lab Program is funded by: CareerSource Polk, Publix Super Markets Charities, Bank of Central Florida, and the State of Florida. Thank you!