ABOUT TEENWORKS
In 1981, Indiana philanthropist Gene B. Glick began what was then called the Pro 100 program with a simple idea — provide teens with a summer job that would teach them the importance of self-discipline, a hard day’s work, and giving back to the community. Fast forward to the present, TeenWorks continues this founding vision through our summer employment program, but now exists as a stand alone 501(c)3 organization that focuses on year round programming and collaborative partnerships with community organizations.
OUR HISTORY
Work-based learning is a reality. It’s one thing to learn what it means to be a great employee in the classroom — but you have to do it. And when it comes to exploring career pathways and options for life after high school, there’s no better way than through a mix of real-life experiences, thought-provoking discussions with a trusted mentor, purposeful learning in a classroom, and getting to know community professionals and how they navigated their path. This is TeenWorks.
Our flagship summer program engages teens in Anderson, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis and Muncie with 6-weeks of community-based work and weekly professional development. From there, teens can apply to participate in the year-round-Pro program where they can grow as a professional though entry-level work and later more sophisticated jobs, internships and apprenticeships. The Alumni Program provides ongoing support as teens transition to education and career. Teens who have completed 2 or more years of the program are encouraged to apply for a TeenWorks Scholarship through CICF.
TeenWorks empowers teens to discover a new level of self-confidence, recognize that achieving professional success is within their reach, and build their resources to make it happen.
WHAT WE DO
“I’ve gained networking skills, learned problem solving and becoming proactive. I’m more willing to put myself out there. I’m so grateful, I can’t even articulate it.”
-Destiney