The KEYS (Knowledge Equals Youth Success) program is comprised of multiple components that serve youth who are disconnected from employment and education. We provide our services through the following programs:
KEYS Careers
Knowledge Equals Youth Success (KEYS) Careers program targets out-of-school youth ages 14 to 24 who have obtained their high school diploma or equivalent. We provide services to youth who are homeless, pregnant or parenting, ex-offender, or in foster care. Additionally, we provide services to youth and young adults who have dropped out of school, as well as, skills deficient high school graduates. This program is designed to prepare our youth for post-secondary education, occupational skills training and provide them with the necessary tools to be competitive in the workforce.
Training Component
Interested in upgrading your current skills?
Changing careers and interested in a new credential?
Let us help you!
Through our grant funding, we may be able to provide you with financial assistance for tuition, books, fees, and/or other materials (if you qualify.)
Ultimately, our goal is to help you obtain the skills necessary to obtain a new career.
Internship Component
Basic skills deficient/sufficient youth participate in the following seminars: life skills, soft skills, and work readiness skills. After completion of the seminars young adults will begin their 12 week paid internship.
Program Benefits
- Pre-Employment and Career Assessment
- Counseling and Case Management
- Financial Literacy
- Employment Placement
- Labor Market and Employer Information
- Remediation
- Entrepreneurial Skills
- Supportive Services
- Mentoring
- Leadership Development
- Occupational Skills Training
- Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship training
KEYS Innovations
KEYS Innovations targets in-school youth, ages 14 to 21, who are interested in career exploration, college tours, fun filled team building activities, summer employment and MUCH MORE! We provide services to economically disadvantaged youth who are homeless, pregnant or parenting, ex-offender, or in foster care. This program is designed to prepare our youth for post-secondary education, occupational skills training and provide them the necessary tools to be competitive in the workforce.
Program Benefits
- Entrepreneurship
- Life Skills
- Financial Literacy
- Résumé Writing Assistance
- Team Building Activities
- Job Readiness Preparation
- Time Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Leadership Development
KEYS Summer Work Experience
The KEYS Summer Work Experience program provides valuable and meaningful summer employment opportunities for Prince George’s County residents between the ages of 14 to 24. They must possess barriers to employment, such as a disability, homelessness, pregnant or parenting, ex-offender, in foster care or economically disadvantaged. Job titles range from Clerical Aid, Camp Counselors to Mechanic Assistant. For more information, please contact Cynthia Carpenter at (301) 618-8419.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify youth must be economically disadvantaged and they must be able to identify with one of the following barriers in order to participate in the KEYS program:
- Deficient Literacy Skills (math/reading)
- High School Dropout
- Homeless, Runaway, or Foster Child
- Pregnant or Parenting
- Involvement with the Juvenile Justice System
- Have a Disability
- Lack necessary Work Readiness Skills
- Needs help completing an educational program or securing and holding a job
Apply Today
Interested in applying to the KEYS youth program? If you or someone you know are between the ages of 14 and 24 and believe you might qualify for our free services, please complete our Online Application.
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