Oak Futures Youth Employment Program
Oak Futures: Empowering Careers, Inspiring Success
Since the 1970s, the Oakridge Neighborhood youth employment program, Oak Futures, has been a cornerstone of workforce development, creating economic pathways and training opportunities for youth. The program has evolved to meet the changing needs of young people ages 14-24 by engaging them in meaningful employment, job skills training, and career exploration while providing leadership and community involvement opportunities.
The Oak Futures Youth Employment Program offers both year-round and nine-week paid part-time (20-30 hours per week) work experiences at nonprofit, for-profit, and public agencies throughout the community. Participants gain real-world job experience while enhancing their professional and personal development. The next application process will open in Spring 2026.
Oak Futures: Inspiring Achievement
Host Employer Commitment
1. Identify a Work Experience Opportunity
- Designate a position for an Oak Futures participant within your organization.
- Specify any age requirements and outline entry-level skills necessary for success.
2. Determine Employee Work Schedule
- Employees will work Monday–Thursday (20 hours per week).
- Fridays are reserved for personal and professional development workshops.
3. Provide Supervision & Mentorship
- Assign a supervisor and/or mentor to support the participant.
- Ensure a conducive work environment that fosters skill development.
- Offer any necessary training to help participants succeed in their roles.
4. Offer Ongoing Feedback & Support
- Provide regular performance feedback to both the employee and the Oak Futures program team.
- Approve employee timesheets to verify hours worked.
Hosted Role Options
1. Job Shadow (1 week)
Role Description: Job shadowing is a short-term observational experience where students spend time observing professionals in their workplace. It provides students with insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of various roles within a company.
2. Internship (8 weeks)
Role Description: Internships are more comprehensive, hands-on experiences where students work in a specific role within a company for an extended period.
Oakridge Neighborhood Commitment
Oakridge Neighborhood is dedicated to empowering youth through meaningful workforce development experiences by:
1. Fully Covering Employment Costs
- Oakridge will pay students directly for their time commitment, removing any financial burden from host employers.
- Employers are only responsible for approving employee timesheets.
2. Enhancing Essential Workforce Skills
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Working with employers and partners to deliver training that strengthens: communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and time management.
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Nurturing adaptability, instilling professional etiquette, improving digital literacy, and developing leadership capabilities.
3. Providing Comprehensive Training & Support
- Facilitating pre-employment training and professional development workshops.
- Offering on-site check-ins and mentorship throughout the program duration.
