Why It Matters
For many young people, the transition from high school to postsecondary education or the workforce can feel out of reach, especially if they don’t have access to prior work experiences or adult guidance. Cities can build bridges to employment by connecting youth to career-connected learning experiences such as internships, mentoring, job training, and other programs that show them what’s possible and how to get there. Not only can cities develop pathways for stronger career readiness, but young people also often bring fresh perspectives and ideas that serve to enrich the places where they work.
How Mayors Contribute
Mayors can help bridge gaps between schools and the employer community by coordinating or funding internships, apprenticeships, and college access programs (such as College Promise Programs) in partnership with local employers, higher education institutions, school districts, and other community stakeholders (such as Workforce Development Boards). They can also ensure city workforce and economic development strategies provide clear opportunities for youth to explore, prepare for, and access good jobs and guidance to industry leaders to successfully and meaningfully employ young people
How to Get Started
- Review NLC’s Workforce Development Hub and Workforce Development Primer to understand common ways cities engage in workforce development.
- Identify current career-readiness efforts run by the city, school district, and/or other community organizations.
- Explore partnerships with employers, education providers (including K-12 schools and institutions of higher education), workforce development boards, libraries, or others to build or expand programs that put youth on a path to success.
- Designate a point of contact or office within city government to coordinate youth workforce initiatives.
- Leverage existing federal workforce funding to support youth and/or apply for state or federal grants that support workforce development.
Tips for Ongoing Success
- Create Pathways: Consider what additional infrastructure your community needs to help youth progress from early learning to employment (such as regional career pathways aligned to high-demand sectors, or credentialing systems) instead of just considering new programs.
- Show the value: Track program participation, credentials earned, and workforce participation and/or college-going rates to demonstrate impact.
- Link to Economic Goals: Show how youth career programs support your city’s broad economic development and employer attraction and retention strategies.
- Monitor access: Make sure programs reach students from across the city, including those who may need extra support.
City Example
Tempe, AZ – Career Ready Tempe | Population 180,000
Tempe, AZ supports youth career readiness through its Career Ready Tempe program, offering paid summer internships, mentorship, and workplace skills training in partnership with local schools, businesses, and Arizona State University. The program helps students build soft skills and explore practical career pathways.
Despite being home to a major state university, many students in Tempe, Arizona still felt that college was out of reach. To address this, the city partnered with the Tempe Union High School District to create a summer internship program designed to increase college and career readiness. Career Ready Tempe is a collaborative effort between the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, the city’s economic development department, and the school district. The program provides high school students with a six-week summer paid internship at local businesses and organizations, along with professional development support.
Arizona State University (ASU) contributes to the initiative by offering EDGE training modules that help students build essential workplace skills and providing incentives upon completion. These modules cover workplace norms and soft skills, such as communication and customer service, which are critical for long-term success in professional settings. In addition to hands-on experience, each student is paired with a College Connect Advisor who provides guidance and support as they explore post-secondary pathways.
The internships have a strong focus on expanding access to opportunities in STEM fields, and several participants have even been invited to return to their host sites for full-time or extended work. By equipping students with practical experience, mentorship, and career exposure, Career Ready Tempe exemplifies the power of collaboration between cities, schools, universities, and the business community in preparing youth for their futures.