At the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, we believe in equipping the next generation with the tools and skills they need to succeed. That’s why we are so excited to introduce our new Workforce Development Initiative, designed to prepare both high school and college students for real-world success. This initiative is more than just a program—it’s a comprehensive journey that connects young adults with career exploration, job readiness training, and invaluable mentorship opportunities, giving them a head start on their professional journey.
In today’s competitive world, students face numerous challenges when entering the workforce. Many are unsure of where to begin or how to navigate professional settings. Our Workforce Development Initiative eliminates these uncertainties by helping students secure interest-based internships in various fields. By working directly with local businesses and organizations, we provide opportunities that align with students’ aspirations and career goals.
Internship Opportunities with BGCL: A Full Package of Support
To ensure that every student has access to this life-changing experience, BGCL is funding three-week micro-internships for high school and college members. We understand that financial or logistical barriers can sometimes stand in the way of youth success, which is why we go the extra mile. In addition to funding the internships, BGCL provides transportation assistance and professional clothing to ensure that students can focus on their experience without worrying about these obstacles.
But we don’t stop there. Our team is dedicated to making sure that each member is prepared to thrive in their internship. Through one-on-one resume building sessions, mock interview practice, and career coaching, we help them develop the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in a professional environment. We also provide soft skills training to get our members ready for the real world, strengthening their communication skills and teaching them how to manage feedback and criticism from supervisors. We are not only giving them the tools to do the job, but also the confidence to own their career path and make lasting connections.
This initiative is about much more than just landing a job. It’s about fostering the skills and mindset that will carry these young people forward into successful careers. From learning how to present themselves professionally to navigating workplace dynamics, our teens are gaining the experience they need to step into the workforce with confidence and readiness.
We Need Your Help: Internship Opportunities Wanted!
We’re excited about the impact this program can have on our members, but we need the support of our community to make it a success. If you or your organization has internship opportunities available for high school or college students, we want to hear from you! (Please note: The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence will fully reimburse any employer willing to host an internship for the full cost of the program, eliminating financial barriers and making it easier for your organization to provide this valuable experience.)
We are specifically looking for micro-internships— three-week, 20-hour-per-week programs that provides valuable, hands-on experience in the following fields:
· Nursing/Medical
· Electrical/Plumbing
· Accounting
· Veterinary Tech
· Law
· Business
By providing a real-world internship experience, you’re not just helping a student—you're shaping the future of our workforce and community. Your support helps bridge the gap between education and employment, offering young people a chance to explore their passions, develop new skills, and gain hands-on experience.
If you’re interested in offering an internship or learning more about how you can help, please reach out to Jody Raineri at jraineri@lawrencebgc.com or Sarah Hogue at shogue@lawrencebgc.com. Together, we can create opportunities that empower our youth and build a stronger, more skilled future workforce.
Thank you for considering how you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of local youth. We look forward to partnering with you to provide these life-changing opportunities.