Youth Center Welcomes Works Wonders Internship Program

The Jonnycake Youth Center is proud to announce a new partnership with Foster Forward’s Works Wonders® program, which has been named a 2026 Impact Award recipient by the National Youth Employment Coalition.  The Coalition recognizes the transformational impact the program is having on youth employment and economic mobility. 

Works Wonders® is a career development and employment engagement program that provides 16 hours of skills-based training, weekly one-on-one career coaching, and paid work-based learning opportunities. A Career and Education Coach work with youth to explore their career interests, plan for their future, and help participants understand how to manage their finances, build foundational skills, and then put those skills to use in the real world.  

The Youth Center will pilot a partnership with Foster Forward beginning in May.  Ten youth will be recruited to participate in work readiness training two hours a week for eight weeks, after which time they will be placed in a paid internship position.  Youth Center staff will take the lead on identifying local employers for placements based on youth interest.