APPLICATION AND ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility and requirements: Students in grades 10-12 are eligible. Priority is given to students from PWA partner districts (North Clackamas, Parkrose, Reynolds, PPS, Gresham-Barlow and Oregon Charter Academy). Students do not need expertise or prior experience, only an interest in career readiness and bringing their voice to PWA programs and events. 

How to apply: Fill out this interest form. Rolling acceptance. Priority will be given to students who apply before Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Questions? Please contact career@portlandworkforcealliance.org.

Inclusion statement: The PWA Youth Impact Council is intended to be inclusive and welcoming. We welcome diversity of all kinds, including gender identity, racial/ethnic background, sexual orientation and economic circumstance.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

The council will meet once a month between November 2023 and May 2024 after school. Meetings will be from 4:30 - 6:30 PM and will be a mix of in-person and virtual meetings.

Session 1: November 1 

Session 2: December 6

Session 3: January 10

Session 4: February 6  

Session 5: March 6  

Session 6: April 3

Session 7: May 1 

Why this work matters: PWA wants every student to have access to real-world opportunities to explore careers, expand their knowledge, and gain confidence for future job searches. Students on the Youth Council get this support while also “paying it forward” to help PWA serve the community, especially students from underrepresented communities and marginalized identities. You will be a voice for your peers, and your ideas will benefit students throughout Oregon. 

STUDENT BENEFIT

• Leadership: Students will have the opportunity to help shape PWA’s signature event, the NW Youth Careers Expo, as well as other PWA programs and events. Students may attend PWA board meetings and will have access to PWA officers and board members who are leaders in their respective industries.
• Career readiness: Students will learn career readiness skills around resume writing, interviewing, networking and more. 
• Completion stipend: Students who participate consistently in the monthly youth council meetings will receive a $200 completion stipend at the end of the term. 

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Student Ambassador: Youth Impact Council participants are expected to volunteer at the 20th annual NW Youth Careers Expo and its kickoff PWA Expo Breakfast on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, as student leaders, where they are in charge of greeting students and employers, answering student questions and helping ensure the event runs smoothly. 

Attending board meetings: All YIC students are invited to attend PWA Board Meetings. This is a great optional opportunity to get a behind the scenes window into PWA’s work. Students can practice their public speaking by sharing briefly about their experience on the council. 

Additional opportunities: Other paid and unpaid optional opportunities to engage with PWA’s programs may arise.