Highlights from PYN's New Professional Pathways Program!

Empowering Young Adults to Take Their Next Step!

Last month, Philadelphia Youth Network proudly launched its Professional Pathways Program, a new direct service programing initiative designed to help young adults ages 16–24 with high school diplomas transition confidently into the workforce. Designed to support Opportunity Youth - young people who are disconnected from school, work, or postsecondary education - PYN's Professional Pathways program provides participants with individualized guidance, specialized industry specific training and credentialing, as well as hands-on paid work experiences designed to prepare them for an entry level job in there specific industry of interest.

With the support of intensive career coaching and wraparound support, each young person develops the skills, confidence, and professional networks needed to secure and retain living-wage jobs.

Meet the First Cohort!

This fall’s inaugural cohort includes 10 motivated young adults, all eager to take their first steps toward a professional career. Since launching, participants have taken part in a variety of sessions and events to help build their professional foundation and explore different career pathways.

Across industries of interest, from automotive and customer service to administration, healthcare and the trades, participants have completed professional development sessions focused on communication, teamwork, and workplace readiness. Several have already begun industry specific credentialing courses, on-site job shadowing experiences, and informational interviews, putting new skills into practice and expanding their professional networks. Take a look below for some of our program highlights so far!

• Participant Enrollment Bootcamps and Initial Career Coaching Sessions – where participants met with PYN’s dedicated Career Coaching staff to set personal goals, strengthen resumes, and begin mapping out their career journeys.
  

• Industry Outings - to the PECO Infrastructure Academy, hosted by PYN Board Member Michele Wells-Bates. The two-day visit gave participants an up-close look at career pathways in the energy and utilities sector.
  

• Mock Interviews - participants practiced one-on-one interviews with PYN staff and industry volunteers, gaining confidence, receiving constructive feedback, and strengthening their ability to present themselves professionally in future job opportunities.

• Guest Speaker Series – featuring local professionals and business leaders who shared real-world advice, career insights, and personal stories of growth and resilience. Including:

• Ernie Menold of Ernest D. Menold Construction, who spoke about the building trades and career opportunities in the sheet metal industry.
  

• Vania Abdul-Badee, founder of 360 Marketing and Advertising, who shared lessons from her experience launching a marketing and PR business and navigating entrepreneurship through COVID-19.
  

• Carina Jones, Talent Acquisition Partner at Jefferson Health, who provided an inside look at Jefferson’s hiring process and her own career progression in healthcare.
  

• Felicia Shanken of the Philadelphia Women’s Network Connection, who inspired participants to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset and think creatively about their future career goals.

What's Next:

As the fall cohort continues, participants will move into the next phase of the program — including job shadowing days, specialized training, and credentialing opportunities aligned with their industry interests. These experiences will prepare them for paid worksite placements that offer valuable foot-in-the-door exposure and on-the-job learning.

Recruitment for the spring 2026 cohort will begin soon! Stay tuned for updates as we continue to grow the Professional Pathways Program and open new doors for young Philadelphians to build bright, sustainable futures.