Workforce Lab celebrated 11 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 durable job skills and financial capability in an environment that is shaped by the Gospel.
Two exciting highlights this year included welcoming Janee’ Jackson-Barnett as the new Young Adult Program Assistant Director and seeing high school students move into their new space in The Gathering Place! Jackson-Barnett said the summer has “been a wonderful whirlwind of change, growth, and excitement.” She said the “students have done a wonderful job adapting to new procedures, processes, and strategies.”
This summer, 13 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 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.
Lifetime Learning
Participants learned about their Working Geniuses, toured the Lakeland Fire Department, experienced Top Buttons’ “Mobile Boutique,” visited Lakeland Regional Health, and heard from Teen IMPACT, a group of high school students who use relatable skits and personal stories to encourage their peers to choose healthy relationships and a positive future by avoiding at-risk behaviors.
Workforce Lab participants and five summer interns had the incredible opportunity to take part in Disney’s Imagination Campus at Magic Kingdom where they got a behind-the-scenes look at the vision, design, and teamwork that bring the parks to life. After exploring, they collaborated to design their own theme parks. Then came the challenge: an unexpected “budget cut” required them to combine their ideas into one creative solution. Of course, they also had the opportunity to explore the park and enjoy a fun-filled day!
Each week, students researched a career they might like to pursue, including midwifery, orthodontics, welding, mechanics, ice cream shop ownership, firefighting, anesthesiology, cosmetology, and real estate. At the end of the program, they presented their findings to the class. Participants also created resumes and practiced their interview skills through mock interviews with PSM staff members.
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, 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. They also participated in a lake clean up day!
In Their Own Words
Here are a few reflections from these high schoolers:
- “It has helped me learn the importance of hard work and determination. Some of my favorite parts…are volunteering at places that impact the people who need it the most. I look forward to setting an example to the incoming freshmen that shows what being in the workforce should look like.” – N
- “It has taught me a lot like how I can have fun but also do work. This program has also made me closer with God.” – A
- “I learned to communicate with people outside of my comfort zone, and I also learned how to cash a check and to work with a team. Having an opportunity like this where you learn how to function for the future is a lucky opportunity for young adults.” – L
- “The Young Adult Program at Parker Street Ministries helps young people prepare for their future by teaching job skills, leadership, and life skills. In the program, I have worked on my resume, learned interview skills, participated in activities, and explored different career opportunities.” – M
Thank You, Supporters!
Workforce Lab is made possible through the prayers and support of many. The 2026 summer Workforce Lab program is funded by: CareerSource Polk, Publix Super Markets Charities, and Bank of Central Florida.
Thank you for investing in these young people and helping them prepare for their bright futures!
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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.