County Funds Summer Work & Training for 373 Youth Through Ready 2 Earn

Franklin County Board of Commissioners I Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services 

Three Franklin County organizations will deliver summer work experiences, credentials, and pre-apprenticeship training to county youth this season after the Board of Commissioners approved $1,534,712.83 in subaward agreements at the May 12 General Session. 

Resolution 301-26 covers agreements with Godman Guild Association, Lead the Way Learning Academy, and St. Stephen's Community House, three community partners in the county's Ready 2 Earn summer youth employment program. Across all three, 373 youth and young adults will have the opportunity to develop workplace skills and earn credentials this summer. 

Each partner runs a distinct program. Godman Guild will help youth earn certificates in digital literacy, AI fundamentals, robotics, and smart automation. Lead the Way Learning Academy will offer pre-apprenticeship training across several fields: automotive, electrical, and construction trades; nursing assistant and phlebotomy credentials; and Class B CDL licensing. St. Stephen's Community House will deliver the Pathways to Progress program, where participants will work with the Neighborhood Design Center to produce a multimedia design proposal. 

Across all tracks, youth will build foundational workplace skills including punctuality, professionalism, teamwork, and critical thinking. High school students may participate in work-based learning or traditional work experiences with government, nonprofit, and private sector employers. Young adults ages 18 to 21 are eligible for pre-apprenticeship programs. Programs run four to six weeks, and participants can earn wages up to $15 per hour. 

This resolution is the first of several Ready 2 Earn funding actions the county expects to present in coming weeks. The investment supports goal 11 of the county's Rise Together blueprint, focused on career readiness and work-based learning for students.