A BRIDGE TO BRIGHTER FUTURES
The Philadelphia Youth Network’s Professional Pathways Program is a multi-year workforce development initiative designed to connect Opportunity Youth—young adults ages 16–24 who are not in school or working—to meaningful career pathways, credentialing opportunities, and living-wage jobs.
Funded by a $1M+ WIOA investment from Philadelphia Works, this program provides individualized support and work-based learning to help youth transition confidently into the workforce and into their future.
Program Overview:
Created for Opportunity Youth—young people ages 16–24 who are not currently in school or working—the program provides a structured, supportive path toward securing a living-wage job.
At its core, Pathways offers:
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A total of10-12 weeks of rigorous career readiness and preparation, designed to help participants obtain a full-time, living wage job on program completion.
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4-5 weeks of professional development and skills training, including but not limited to:
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Industry-recognized certifications
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Workplace readiness and soft skills
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Resume Development + Interview Prep
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Upskilling in high-demand fields
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Up to 8 weeks of guided career exploration through job shadowing, workplace tours, and training sessions, giving youth meaningful exposure to real-world career settings.
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Intensive and ongoing career coaching and personalized wraparound support services to address barriers and keep youth on track to find a living wage job by the end of the program.
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Individualized Career Coaching
Tailored one-on-one support to help you map your goals and plan your next steps.
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Hands on Career Development Expereince
Get real experience with employers across Philadelphia's high-growth industries.
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Credentialing Support
Earn industry-recognized credentials to boost your resume and job prospects.
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Wraparound Services
Access resources like transportation support, social-emotional learning sessions, milestone-based financial incentives, and more.
Who Is Eligible:
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Young adults ages 16–24
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Not currently in school or employed
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Hold a high school diploma or GED
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Must be a current resident of Philadelphia County
Each year, ~40 youth will be selected to participate in this career-connected learning experience across 4 seasonal cohorts.
“PYN's Pathways Program is about lifting barriers and building bridges to sustainable careers. We’re walking with young people as they rediscover their potential and reimagine what’s possible.”
- Wendy-Anne Roberts-Johnson President & CEO
Philadelphia Youth Network
Complete a Pre-Screening Form!
Cohort 1 - Submission Deadline
August 28th 2025
** PYN offers 4 seasonal cohorts of 10-15 participants per year. By completing a pre-screening form you will be the first to know when new opportunities become available and will receive priority application status.
How to Apply:
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If you are interested in participating, please complete the Participant Pre-Screening Form below and a member of our team will reach out to you with more details and application information.
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Pathways accepts program applicants on a rolling basis. Program slots are limited (~40 Per Year)
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The application process is competitive. You should expect to complete a brief application and interview process.
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Only those with high school diplomas currently disconnected from Work or School will be considered.
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Please note - this form is not an application and does not guarantee placement in the Pathways Program.