Youth Employment Program
Did you know that we are the largest summer teen employer in Providence?
If you are 14-18 years old and are interested in helping run our summer programs, you can apply to participate in our 6 week paid youth employment program. This unique opportunity not only provides youth with valuable job experience, it also strengthens participants’ reading skills, teaches financial literacy, and introduces members to a variety of careers and trade professions.
- Gain important, foundational job skills: leadership, teamwork, academic skills
- Classes in financial management and opportunity for certifications in Serv-Safe Food Safety, CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguarding
For more information, please contact Sidney Tillett at (401) 444-0758 or by email at stillett@bgcprov.org
Youth of the Year
Congratulations to our 2018 Boys & Girls of Providence Youth of the year Latifat Odetunde. She attends Classical High School, where she ranked 43 in her class, is consistently on the honor roll), and is enrolled in numerous Advanced Placement courses. Latifat is also a Student Government Senator serving as Administration and Student Liaison and is the recipient of the Nellie M. Gorbea Secretary of State Civic Leadership Award.
Latifat has also been a member of the BGCP Workforce Development Programs and is a member of Youth in Action, the Providence Youth Caucus, the Youth Organization Institute, and interned with the State of Rhode Island. She was also a member of her school Volleyball and Track and Field Teams.
Latifat feels that capabilities of youth are undermined due to their age as a whole as they are constantly told that they are not intelligent enough to comprehend topics of politics or race. She shares that these preconceived notions have caused youth to remain complacent and silent to the point that many are not aware of their voice and its impact. The organizational work she does focuses on empowering youth to become the leaders they want to be and fight for what they want. Redirecting voice to youth is very important because it allows for great preparation for the real world.
“In my first year participating in Workforce Development training, I took a career test and thought of the path I wanted to take on in life. The Club thought about my future before I had, and this notion made me think ahead and plan accordingly. I learned what it meant to be a leader, and that made me envision myself as such to become one in the future. I created my first resume and helped in my process for applying to colleges.”
Our Education Director remarked that Latifat is aware of the institutional and structural racism she faces as a Black, Muslim, young woman and joins organizations that help deconstruct these systems. She possess vibrant and outgoing characteristics that balance with her determined, steadfast characteristics.
Congratulations!
