Workforce Development
Helping young people see what’s possible and prepare to pursue it.
We ignite a vision of what is possible. We introduce young people to careers, people, and places they might not otherwise encounter, and help them build the foundation to pursue meaningful careers and economic self-sufficiency.
Young people can only choose from the options they know exist.
That is why exposure and exploration run through everything we do. We create chances for young people to meet new people, see new workplaces, and try new skills, then help them turn what they discover into a next step. Along the way, they come to see how their culture, family, and background can shape their path without limiting it.
From discovering a career to building a stable future.
Career and education exploration
We introduce young people to a wide range of careers, industries, and education and training paths, so they can find interests and strengths they may not have known they had.
Skills and confidence
We help young people build the technical, professional, and life skills to handle school and work with confidence, along with the self-awareness and resilience to keep going when things get hard.
Relationships and opportunity
We connect young people with mentors, employers, educators, and training programs who can open doors to education and employment.
Experiencing the world of work
We give young people real chances to see how different jobs and workplaces work, so they can compare paths and choose their direction with good information.
Economic mobility
We help young people work toward quality jobs, financial stability, and long-term self-sufficiency, with the knowledge and connections to keep moving forward.
Our work covers five connected areas. They build on each other, but young people can start wherever their interests take them.
Programs for young people.
Our youth programs are where this work happens. Each one has its own page with who it is for, what to expect, and how to apply.
Creativity, Culture and Code (CCC)
A free after-school program where high school students learn technology, plan for college and careers, and grow as leaders.
LCF Junior Board
A leadership council led by young people, with a mentor for every member.
What we want young people to carry with them.
We measure our work by what changes for the young people we serve. These are the outcomes we are working toward.
A wider view of what’s possible
Seeing more options for their education, careers, and lives, and moving past beliefs that have held them or their families back.
Confidence in their own value
A stronger sense of identity, agency, and the value they bring to workplaces and communities.
Skills and relationships that last
Foundational skills for work and life, and a network of mentors, peers, and employers that keeps supporting their growth.
A path toward a stable future
The knowledge and support to choose a direction and pursue quality work, fair wages, and long-term self-sufficiency.
Part of how we support whole families.
A young person exploring a career does better when their family has a stable home and good health. Our workforce programs work alongside our housing and public health programs so families can find support in more than one place.
We create safe, quality, and dignified homes and help people find and keep stable housing.
Explore Affordable HousingOur housing projects:
We connect families with health education, care, and programs such as Healthy Futures, in ways that respect their culture and their choices.
Explore Public HealthOur health programs:
Help more young people find their path.
Young people build their futures with the help of people who show them what’s possible. There are several ways to be part of that.
Join a program
Interested in CCC or the Junior Board?
See who each program is for and how to apply.
Share your work or workplace
Employers, professionals, and educators can host a visit, talk about their career, or mentor a young person.
Tell us how you would like to be involved.
Fund this work
Interested in supporting youth programs or LCF’s workforce development work?
Start a conversation with our team, or make a gift today.