ReadyWork$ Youth is a job readiness curriculum that helps young people build confidence, explore career pathways, and develop the skills needed to obtain and sustain employment.

Designed for youth ages 14 and older, the program supports participants at different stages of career exploration, from first jobs to internships, apprenticeships, and part time or full-time employment. At the same time, ReadyWork$ Youth provides practitioners, educators, and workforce providers with a proven, ready to implement framework that can be delivered with consistency and fidelity.

What the Curriculum Covers

ReadyWork$ Youth combines job search skills with essential workplace competencies through sequenced, interactive lessons, including:

• Professional presence and workplace expectations
• Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving
• Career exploration and goal setting
• Resume and cover letter development
• Job search strategies and applications
• Interview preparation and mock interviews
• Workplace ethics, accountability, and self-management

Flexible Program Options

ReadyWork$ Youth is available in two formats to meet the needs of different programs and funding models:

• 12-hour accelerated curriculum designed for summer Learn & Earn, paid work experience, and short-term youth employment programs
• 24-hour core curriculum designed for comprehensive, year-round workforce readiness and pathway programs

Both formats align to the same learning objectives, with pacing adjusted to fit program timelines. The curriculum can be delivered virtually, in person, or through a hybrid model, allowing organizations to align with staffing capacity and youth schedules.

Designed for Providers and Practitioners

ReadyWork$ Youth was built for organizations that support young people and need a job readiness curriculum that is adaptable, scalable, and easy to implement. It is ideal for:

• Workforce development organizations
• Schools and Career and Technical Education programs
• Youth-serving nonprofits
• Community-based organizations
• Summer employment and Learn & Earn programs
• After school and out of school time programs

Adaptable and Aligned

ReadyWork$ Youth can be delivered as a standalone program or integrated into existing youth training models. The curriculum aligns with a range of populations and funding requirements, including:

• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act WIOA youth programs
• Career and Technical Education CTE pathways
• Opportunity youth and justice-impacted youth
• Housing authority and community-based youth initiatives