Youth services
About The Program
The RochesterWorks School to Work Navigator Program (S2W) offers a range of free services designed to connect youth to employment or educational opportunities with the support of a Navigator Specialist. Opportunities for paid work experience, in-demand career exploration, connection to career pathway training programs, and job readiness activities (including resume building, soft skills training, financial literacy, and mock interviewing) are all a part of the program. S2W exposes participants to a variety of in-demand higher-wage careers that do not require a college, providing a great alternative for students who do not plan to attend college.
Teens and young adults who are enrolled in grades 9-12 at either Edison Career & Technology High School or Joseph C. Wilson High School are currently eligible for this program. (We hope to add more schools in the future!)
The Facts
- There are an estimated 1500-1800 students who will graduate or exit city high schools in a given year; most will not attend a post-secondary education program.
- The average caseload for a counselor in the Rochester City School District is 250-300 students. This often doesn’t leave enough time to dedicate to career exposure, helping with job applications, or enrollment into career pathway training programs for every student assigned to them.
- The School to Work Navigator Program can connect participants with the many programs, supports, and resources available in the community and schools.
- Navigator Specialists may be able to provide individualized supportive services tailored to the needs of each program participant.
- Potential supportive services can include support obtaining a driver’s permit and license, paying for credentialing opportunities, interview outfits or work uniforms, and more.
- The services are free and provided to in-school youth in grades 9-12 by a collaborative network of staff members across community-based, faith-based, government, and other nonprofit organizations throughout the Greater Rochester area.
Find Additional Youth Services
The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) provides youth ages 14-20 with six weeks of paid work experience through work sites and programs all across Monroe County.
Our Youth Career Center location serves youth ages 14-24 as a comprehensive service center. This is the headquarters for RochesterWorks youth programming.
Young adults ages 14-20 earn a paycheck during the school year and learn about exciting career opportunities that await you!
Free services for teens and young adults ages 17 to 24 in Rochester and Monroe County who are not currently enrolled in school.
