Youth Career Series + Expo Cohort (YCS)
Summer Program
Summer Program
A Career Readiness & Innovation Lab
The Youth Career Series (YCS) is a summer enrichment experience designed to introduce young people to careers, innovation, and future-ready skills through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world exposure. YCS offers two age-appropriate tracks that meet students where they are while helping them imagine where they can go.
Career Exposure. Confidence. Real-World Skills.
The Junior Track introduces younger students to careers and STEM through fun, engaging, camp-style learning that builds curiosity and confidence.
Daily Flow
Team-building
Career exploration activities
Creative workshops
Hands-on group challenges
Mini projects
Understanding how ideas become solutions
Students will:
Discover interests and strengths
Build confidence speaking in groups
Learn how careers connect to everyday life
Feel excited about future opportunities
The Senior Track focuses on preparing teens for life beyond school through career exposure, workforce readiness, and applied learning.
Senior Program Structure
Career Exposure
Industry-led workshops (2 days/week)
Job shadowing experiences (1–2 per week)
Workforce Readiness
Resume & application support
Interview preparation
Workplace professionals
Financial literacy basics (paychecks, budgeting, credit)
Leadership & Identity
Communication & confidence building
Personal branding & career identity
Decision-making & goal setting
Student-Led Innovation Lab
Participation in the RyderPass Student Lab
Team-based innovation project
Expo presentation & portfolio-ready experience
The program culminates in the YCS Expo, where students present their projects, ideas, and growth to families, community leaders, partners, and supporters.
The Expo highlights:
Student innovation and creativity
Professional communication skills
Teamwork and problem-solving
Career readiness in action
This event is designed to feel like a professional showcase, while celebrating each student’s journey.
YCS concludes with a Graduation Ceremony, honoring students for their commitment, growth, and achievements throughout the program.
Students receive:
Certificates of completion
Recognition of skills and participation
Celebration with families and partners
Eligible senior participants may be considered for YCS Scholarship Support, designed to help reduce barriers as students take their next steps.
Scholarships may support:
Workforce certifications
College-related expenses
Trade school or career training
Career readiness essentials
Scholarship details, eligibility criteria, and application information are shared directly with participating families.
Senior Outcomes
By the end of YCS, seniors will:
Understand multiple career pathways
Have a polished resume or portfolio
Gain real-world professional exposure
Complete a team innovation project
Present at the YCS Expo
In Partnership with RyderPass
Purpose
The Student-Led Innovation Lab provides seniors with hands-on exposure to how a real technology-driven organization operates beyond just the product. Students learn that successful companies are built by many roles working together, not just developers.
Through the lab, students will:
Learn how different roles contribute to one solution
Identify career roles that align with their interests and strengths
Understand career pathways beyond the idea that “tech equals coding”
Connect innovation to real jobs and industries
Reflect on roles they are curious to explore further
Understand how businesses and technology platforms operate
Build workforce readiness and transferable skills such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving
This experience helps students see themselves not just as users of technology, but as future contributors to innovation in many possible roles.
Location: Central Florida
Schedule: Summer Program
Spots: Limited enrollment
For questions about the Youth Career Series (YCS), student enrollment, partnerships, volunteering, or program details, please contact:
Youth Director – Youth Career Series (YCS)
Email: jae@ourpurposeproject.org
Our team is happy to assist families, students, community partners, and supporters with any YCS-related inquiries.
Full curriculum details are shared with enrolled families and partners.