Workforce Challenge

Eighteen year old Daquan's first YouthWorks summer job was in 2009 when he was assigned to work for Civic Justice Corps at Patapsco Valley State Park. He planted trees, learned about landscaping, and performed basic carpentry skills. He enjoyed it but as he got older he was assigned to different types of summer jobs in high-growth fields. In 2012, his YouthWorks job was at Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center where his duties were much different than his park job.

Workforce Solution

“The work was not easy, but I never give up,” said Daquan. “There is nothing that I won’t do. I’m normally the first person that gets involved [in tasks]. I loved being a part of the [YouthWorks] experience.”
Like many participants, Daquan credits the financial literacy component provided through YouthWorks with assistance from local banks. Staff from Wells Fargo taught Daquan valuable financial lessons that have helped him shop smart and save ten percent of the money he earns.
Daquan always encourages his friends to register for YouthWorks so they can get jobs and learn how to save their money too. Recently, he got a chance to express his thanks to Wells Fargo’s Monica Mitchell, who taught the financial literacy class.

Outcomes & Benefits

Being a part of YouthWorks has exposed Daquan to many career fields and helped him choose a career in nursing. He says the professional experience has taught him how to conduct himself in the work place, how to dress for the office, and how to be a leader.
Currently, he is attending Baltimore City Community College Nursing program. He plans to transfer to Coppin State University to attain a degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing.