Workforce Lab celebrated 10 years this summer! This program continues to prepare rising ninth and tenth graders who live in the Parker Street neighborhood for life beyond high school as they enter the workforce. Workforce Lab teaches soft job skills and financial capability in an environment that is shaped by the Gospel.
This summer, 16 students participated in experiential learning through:
- understanding the importance of budgeting and implementing in their own lives
- earning stipends
- opening their own savings accounts and making deposits
- exploring different career options
- building resumes for themselves and practicing interview skills
- volunteering at eight local nonprofits
- participating in a pregnancy prevention workshop
- growing in their walks with Jesus
Financial Capability
Participants earned actual paychecks in the form of stipends with the goal of helping students learn about saving and developing the habit of saving now before they officially enter the workforce. As a bonus, a portion of these stipends will be matched when the students graduate on time from high school. Sarah Bonner, Young Adult Program Assistant Director, says this process teaches “them what they do today affects them tomorrow!”
Lifetime Learning
Participants toured Lakeland Regional Health, and they heard from Teen IMPACT, a group of high school students who use relatable skits and personal stories to show why they’re choosing to say YES to healthy relationships and a positive future by saying NO to at-risk behaviors—encouraging our students to make better choices now for the future they want. In addition, participants learned their areas of strength, competency, and frustration to help them be productive and find fulfillment in future employment. And new this year, participants were offered the incredible opportunity to join Disney’s Imagination Campus at EPCOT, participating in a leadership workshop with cast members on the “5 Keys of Excellence” before exploring the park.
Students also spent time each week researching a career they would like to pursue and then presented their findings to the class at the end of the program.
“There was a wide spread of interest this year from NICU nurses, pediatricians, and mental health counselors to even a Google software engineer,” says Bonner.
Making an Impact
A highlight of the Workforce Lab program is its connection to other local nonprofits. Each week, students traveled around Lakeland to volunteer at organizations such as: Gospel, Inc., Lighthouse Ministries, ECHO Ministries, The Salvation Army, Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE), One More Child, and the Florida Children’s Museum. Teens participated in a variety of activities from yard work and packing food boxes to moving furniture and sanitizing. Here at PSM, participants helped set up for students to receive their school supplies through the Start Smart Education Essentials drive.
“At these organizations, the students were able to put into practice the skills they learned in Monday lectures—specifically collaboration, adaptability, and excellence in all they do,” Bonner says.
To celebrate wins as students put their learning into action, each week they voted for the “Outstanding Worker of the Week.” This recognition honored the student who consistently showed a positive attitude, encouraged others, and worked as if for the Lord.
In Their Own Words
Here are a few reflections from these high schoolers:
- “This program is showing me and teaching me new things every day. This program is teaching me job skills. I am very excited for what the future holds for me in this program.” – I
- “I’ve been having so much fun not only as one person, but as a whole class. We have been to many cool places and did many cool things. I really appreciate everything this program has done for me since the first day I’ve been here. I love and appreciate everyone at this program.” – E
- “I would gladly recommend coming or joining this program. This program allows me to get a taste of what it’s like to have a real job. You are held accountable for your actions. The program strengthens valuable working experience, hands on work, and much more. My favorite thing I have learned so far was how to properly deposit a check.” – N
- “I loved learning new things in the Workforce program, and I liked helping in different organizations. It was really cool to see the Teen IMPACT program come because they taught us about saving yourself for marriage and helping us stand up for ourselves when we might be pressured.” – I
- “This summer has been a whirlwind of fun. We volunteered at different organizations and helped families. I have been at Parker Street for seven years and I love what we do. Being in the program has made me gain new skills and discover who I am.” – A
Thank You, Supporters!
Workforce Lab is made possible through the prayers and support of many. The 2025 summer Workforce Lab program is funded by: CareerSource Polk, the Bell-Barnett Family Fund within GiveWell Community Foundation, Publix Super Markets Charities, and Bank of Central Florida.
One student said, “Thank you for your support and for your belief in doing good. We simply couldn’t do what we do without amazing people like you.”
Thank you for investing in these young people and helping them prepare for their bright futures!
__________
Parker Street Ministries (PSM) is a 501c3 in Lakeland, Florida, that follows a Gospel-centered model characterized by living, listening, affirming dignity, and building community together in and through the Parker Street neighborhood. Parker Street Ministries is committed to Gospel-centered community development through the focus areas of: Fostering Spiritual Growth so Christ and His Gospel are front and center, Supporting Lifetime Learners through educational opportunities, Stabilizing the Neighborhood by addressing the quality and availability of housing, and Cultivating Connections so gaps in relationships and services are bridged.