WorkForce/Leadership Development

Leadership Training / Internships / Mentoring

B.A.L.L.E.R.S

► Youth Advisory Council (“Y.A.C.”) members will mentor youth between the ages of 14–16 years old.

► B.A.L.L.E.R.S (Bigs And Littles, Lifting Every Rising Student) Mentoring Program.

► A mentorship program through Bright Minds Youth Development’s Youth Advisory Council members. This mentorship program will serve as part of our philanthropy. It will help with recruitment of more aspiring students who could become future Y.A.C. members while simultaneously enhancing the personal development of these students. This program will expose them to what we do behind the scenes, what we stand for, and what we accomplish as an organization.

► Once the group of students are established then each member of YAC will be paired with one to three students, depending on the numbers.

► With parental consent, these students will be invited to our community service and team bonding outings as well. We, as members of BMYD Y.A.C., host seminars and workshops for them depending on their interests (i.e. credit, applying to college, financial aid, career paths).

► B.A.L.L.E.R.S will have the opportunity to attend college tours to Florida universities. BMYD provides transportation and food.

► Mentoring and Shadowing will occur on camp sites within operating hours.

► Practicing leadership skills in our surrounding community while benefiting the lives and aspirations of high school students and potential membership recruitment.

Communication Skills / Motivation / Inspiration

It is our organization’s objective to prepare students for employment in the workforce, match students with employers based on skills area and connect students to employers for learning and networking opportunities. Life skills, work readiness, counseling/character-building, and skills training in computer literacy and digital technology are central to effective training and job preparation programs.

Youth receive coaching and mentoring; training in communication skills and conflict resolution; career exploration and preparation, and job retention skills training. Emphasis is placed on programs that reduce fears related to science, technology, engineering, and math studies and those that produce measurable positive participant outcomes.

And what is great about YAC is that while you develop soft skills like communication, teamwork, work ethic, etc. you also learn to use skills like project management, fundraising, and event planning. You get to test them out in a safe environment where making mistakes is OK. Everyone is here to support you, so there is no fear in being wrong or messing up.

Resume Building

Most people who start working at a younger age have a HUGE advantage in later job searches. Being in demand means you have choices. Our program supports young adults as they transition to independence and adulthood. In addition to focusing on identifying and taking action steps toward education, employment, and career exploration goals we cover the following:  

  • Build networking skills
  • Identify strengths, skills, interests, experiences, preferences, and support needs as they relate to work
  • Learning and practicing interview skills
  • Preparing and submitting resumes, applications, cover letters, and online assessments
  • Seek permanent, competitive jobs and internships that suit the skills and preferences of the youth
  • Understand how to follow a career path