Empowering Youth in Prince George's County through Career Takeover Event

On May 22, an inspiring event took place at the Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Complex in Largo, Maryland: the Career Takeover, themed "Level Up Your Future." This initiative, hosted by Employ Prince George's (EPG), aimed to provide youths and young adults from Prince George's County with essential tools and resources as they embark on their career journeys.

Hundreds of attendees, including graduates, job seekers, and in-school youth, were present, eager to explore a variety of career opportunities. The event featured over 20 employers and resource partners, marking a significant effort to break down barriers that hindered youth access to the job market. High energy filled the room as multi-talented host Autumn Joi Live and celebrity DJ Little Bacon Bear kept the atmosphere lively and engaging.

Creating Opportunities

The Career Takeover event stood out from traditional job fairs by including interactive displays, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities designed to actively engage participants. Among these offerings were numerous career resources aimed at addressing current issues faced by the youth, such as mental health challenges, PTSD, and educational setbacks. By creating a supportive environment, the event facilitated meaningful interactions between young residents and potential employers.

A key moment of the day was the address delivered by District 8 County Council Member Edward Burroughs III, who offered words of encouragement to the young attendees embarking on their professional paths. Jennifer Ricks, Director of Youth Services at Employ Prince George's, expressed gratitude for the participation of career coaches and staff who played crucial roles in the event's success, furthering the mission of empowering the youth.

Support Systems and Testimonials

The stories shared by attendees underscored the event's impact. Donnell Dorsey, a recent graduate from Oxon Hill High School, arrived in his graduation regalia, just an hour after receiving his diploma. His eagerness to explore job opportunities highlighted the dedication of young individuals willing to take charge of their futures. Brittany Glover, Manager of Youth Services at Employ Prince George's, praised Donnell's initiative and reiterated the commitment of the KEYS program to assist youth aged 18-24 in career readiness.

With a team of 50 career coaches supporting middle and high school students, EPG focuses on preparing youth for graduation and beyond, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their chosen career paths. The organization aims to keep young adults informed about the resources available to them, fostering a path to success.

Ongoing Commitment to Youth Development

The successful execution of the fourth Career Takeover event showcases Employ Prince George's ongoing commitment to making a difference in the lives of young adults in Prince George's County. With increasing community support and participation, the program demonstrates tangible outcomes and a collective effort to address the hurdles faced by local youth.

The Youth Career Connections (YCC) program is dedicated to fostering vital skills for students in 6th grade through undergraduate studies. By offering seminars focused on resume building, interview techniques, and workplace etiquette, YCC prepares youth for future challenges. Attendees benefit from career exploration and real-world exposure through paid work experiences and various employment opportunities.

Simultaneously, the Knowledge Equals Youth Success (KEYS) program provides essential resources for competitiveness in today's job market, offering comprehensive support systems to empower young adults.

For graduating seniors and young adults looking for career opportunities, the YCC and KEYS programs are invaluable resources that can be accessed through pgccareers.com.

About Employ Prince George's

Employ Prince George's is an organization focused on fostering workforce intelligence and solutions tailored for job seekers and businesses. The mission of EPG revolves around enhancing the economic vitality of Prince George's County by creating a demand-driven system equipped to deliver qualified workers to businesses while offering job seekers career opportunities in high-demand industries.

Closing Thoughts

As Prince George's County continues to navigate the complexities of the job market, initiatives like the Career Takeover are crucial in inspiring the next generation. By providing necessary resources, training, and opportunities, EPG helps create a supportive environment in which the youth can thrive. EPG remains steadfast in its commitment to bridging gaps and building pathways to success for all young residents in the region.