Engaging Youth and Young Adults: Innovative Engagement Strategies

This 30 Minutes of Excellence session will spotlight how Employ Prince George’s engages youth and young adults through innovative, intentional program design across Youth Career Connections (YCC) and Knowledge Equals Youth Success (KEYS). The session will focus on creative engagement strategies that capture interest early, keep participants connected, and transition them from career curiosity to real-world readiness.

Jennifer Ricks, Chief Program Officer, with Employ Prince George’s will share practical examples of how interactive experiences, career exposure activities, coaching models, and partnership-driven approaches are used to engage both in-school and out-of-school youth. Participants will explore innovative ideas for reducing disengagement, strengthening follow-up, and designing programs that resonate with today’s young people. Employ Prince George's actively promotes Registered Apprenticeships, especially for young people.

Attendees will leave with actionable ideas they can immediately adapt to improve youth and young adult engagement within their own workforce programs.