Supporting Youth

Worksystems is committed to ensuring all youth gain the skills and experience to succeed in the workforce. 

For Young People

Supporting Youth for a Better Tomorrow

Increasing visibilitypathwaysconnections to workforce opportunities for young people is imperative to supporting those in our community who are disconnected or struggling with work or school.

Youth living in poverty or experiencing housing instability or homelessness, and those involved in the juvenile justice system have significant potential for growth by exploring independence and life opportunities, which can lay the foundation for their future career paths.  

It is also key in developing a strong pipeline for growing and emerging industries. 

*Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 2022
**Source: Oregon Department of Education

27,200

16-to-24-year-olds are not working or in school*

43%

of those not in work or school identify as Hispanic or a race other than white*

In Oregon, the average four-year graduation rate for 2024-2025 is**

82%

In 2024, adults without a high school diploma were more than

2x

as likely to live in poverty as those with a diploma or post-secondary education

How WorkSystems Supports Youth

Worksystems partners with community organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, labor unions, and employers to enhance youth workforce development and economic prosperity. We research best practices, coordinate resources and services, and incorporate feedback from stakeholders and customers to inform our approach.

Worksystems helps to prepare young people for successful careers by:

  • Working with partners to develop academic and life skills, offer meaningful work-based experiences, and connect them to employment and further education or trainings.

  • Fostering a peer-learning community to strengthen service delivery.

  • Centering youth and partner voices to improve process, communication, and program design.

  • Stabilizing and diversifying the funding portfolio for youth-focused resources.

Key Programs

White WorkSource Portland MetroLogo
NEXTGEN
learn & earn
work experience & summerworks

By the Numbers

Since 1998, Worksystems has been dedicated to supporting the youngest members of our community and facilitating their entry into the workforce. Our long-standing commitment to youth workforce development equips us with historical insight, a strong infrastructure, and a collection of best practices that we apply to every project we undertake.

From July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026:

1,600+

youth received career services

$1.48M

in stipends and wages earned

142

Worksites provided work experience opportunities

41%

of youth identify as being part of a historically underserved community

Real-life Impact

Stories From Our Community

Maryam joined NextGen in October 2024 after relocating to the U.S. due to conflict in her home country. She and her sister had been studying in Russia but were forced to stop their education when war broke out in her hometown.

Upon arriving in the U.S., Maryam was referred to the program by her case worker. At the time, she was not enrolled in school, but quickly began ESOL Level 6 classes at Portland Community College. Drawing on her international education experience, Maryam became interested in IT and cybersecurity.

In April, she began Certified Information Systems Security Professional classes and is on track to graduate in June 2025. Maryam’s story reflects her resilience and determination to rebuild her future through education. She wouldn’t have these resources without NextGen.

Amar, 19-years-old, began living independently due to difficult circumstances at home. She first connected with PDX Youth@Work program—which provides short-term paid work experiences—and interned with GlamRush Beauty Bar.

When she joined POIC’s Winter 2025 Kitchen Cohort—part of the NextGen program—Amar was quiet, hesitant to seek support, and uncertain about completing the demanding 12-week, 330-hour program. Thanks to encouragement from her Career Coach and the camaraderie of her peers, Amar found her footing.

On April 14, she completed the program with a certificate of proficiency from POIC’s kitchen team and earned a Guest Services Gold certification from the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association—an important step toward her career goal of someday becoming an entrepreneur. NextGen gave her the support she needed to develop her career.

Through SummerWorks, Eva completed 150 hours with Portland Parks & Rec Rangers, where she supported daily operations such as cleaning and maintaining ranger vehicles, notetaking during meetings, note taking, filing, and organizing. While there, she learned the value of communication, flexibility, and pushing outside her comfort zone. Inspired by her supervisor’s leadership, Eva gained confidence and stayed aligned with her goal of becoming a crime scene investigator. She plans to continue growing through classes and future work experiences.

Through SummerWorks, Gabby completed 160 hours with the City of Portland Hearings Office, where she worked on legal memos, attended hearings, and helped develop a civics program for high school students. Her experience deepened her understanding of city government and confirmed her goal of attending law school in 2025. She also secured a second internship with the Hearings Office.

Raven served as a drafter for Empowered Neighborhoods through SummerWorks, completing 193.5 hours. They contributed to residential design projects and learned to apply creative skills in real-world problem solving. Raven praised their supervisor’s guidance in helping her understand the importance of project management. Raven found the role aligned perfectly with their goal of becoming an architect, and they plan to return to PSU to complete their architecture degree.

Munira completed 130 hours with City of Portland – Vibrant Communities as a Workforce Development Research Intern. She gained hands-on experience collecting and analyzing survey data, attending events, and learning remote work practices. She was nervous to begin this work, but because her supervisor was supportive, communicative, and dependable she was set up for success. The internship boosted her confidence and research skills, and she hopes to return to SummerWorks next year while continuing her studies at Portland State University.

RW connected with New Avenues for Youth's NextGen program, PAVE, after housing insecurity forced them to drop out of college. They began by engaging in an internship, where they exceeded expectations. RW then enrolled in Portland Community College and secured housing through Affordable Rent for College Students (ARCS). However, balancing work and school proved challenging. With support from their career coach, RW was able to identify the core needs they had for a new job, leading to a position that fit their schedule, offered a calm work environment, and was accessible via public transportation. 

LJ came to POIC-RAHS facing challenges at school and home, seeking to complete her high school education. She participated in a variety of programs to develop work skills and earn credits. She was accepted into the Student Crew Leader Training program, which helped her gain transferable skills while earning money and credits. In her senior year, she enrolled in the NextGen program for additional support services and the invaluable human connection it offered. 

Over several years, LJ received comprehensive support from her career coaches, who guided her through graduating high school and enrolling in college. They assisted her with scholarship applications and provided funds and resources for books and housing. Their assistance was crucial as LJ navigated life's challenges, including increased expenses while living on her own. 

When she needed to shift focus from college to employment to cover her bills, LJ made the tough decision to pivot, knowing she had her career coach's support. She enrolled in Cosmetology School, which allowed her to work full-time. LJ has since obtained her certification, supports herself through a job at a daycare, and is proud to live independently. She is currently working toward obtaining a business license to open her own cosmetology business and put her certification to use. 

Before joining the NextGen program, GS faced legal challenges that impacted his life. Motivated to improve his situation, he sought a career path that would provide long-term stability and retirement security. Despite numerous obstacles beyond his control, GS has made remarkable progress. 

Currently enrolled in POIC's Construction Pre-Apprenticeship program, GS is on track to graduate with high marks. Not only is he excelling at the program's requirements, but he has also taken on a leadership role, assisting fellow trainees with various activities while managing his personal challenges. Throughout the program, GS has earned multiple credentials, including his Flagger Card, OSHA 10 safety certification, and CPR/First Aid certification. He has made valuable connections and is set to begin his journey in the Laborer's Union Apprenticeship after graduation. 

Additional Resources

Get Connected to a Work Experience