Coded by Kids is partnering with WorkReady to train young people in tech skills this summer

WorkReady, a skills-building initiative by the Philadelphia Youth Network for teens and young adults, announced this week that it would be partnering with Coded By Kids this summer.

Because of COVID-19, the summer jobs and training that PYN and other orgs like it across the country had planned have had to adapt. In May, PYN said that the 2020 WorkReady experience would be redesigned as a digital experience, available in both a mobile or computer setting. Training this summer will focus on digital career exposure, financial literacy, and digital literacy and brand identity.

“We fully understand the severity of the economic impact COVID-19 is having on our local economy and how businesses are navigating this,” said H. Patrick Clancy, president and CEO of Philadelphia Works, in a recent PYN release; Philadelphia Works partially funds WorkReady, along with the City of Philadelphia and corporate and private donors. “Developing a strong talent pipeline remains a priority for our city and its economic recovery and summer experiences remain a critical part of this.”

The six-week program, which starts in July and serves 12- to 24-year-olds living in the city, offers participants the opportunity to earn up to $595. WorkReady has announced a number of partnerships in recent weeks for paid digital opportunities aimed at enhancing students’ college and career readiness, including with the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity.

Tech education nonprofit Coded By Kids announced its partnership with WorkReady this week as an “innovation accelerator” provider, saying students will learn how to code through its CbK Academy online course. (Other provider types are career exposure, service learning, work experience and internship.)

We continue our work of providing tech and entrepreneurship education to Philadelphia youth as a WorkReady provider partner this year and are #ALLin4WorkReady.You can APPLY using referral code IA002. Start now: https://t.co/FJBzWZiUcV.

— Coded by Kids (@codedbykids) June 3, 2020

The CbK Academy courses also include training on design and innovation, as well as insight into tech career opportunities, the nonprofit said. Also in WorkReady’s innovation accelerator provider category are partners such as the School District of Philadelphia, JEVS Human Services and the Center for Black Educator Development.

“We’re proud to announce that through a competitive procurement process, we’ve been selected by the Philadelphia Youth Network to be a WorkReady partner organization to operate summer jobs as an Innovation Accelerator provider,” Coded By Kids said in a statement. “For many young people, summer jobs are a critical first introduction to the world of work.”

Thousands of students participated in the program in 2019, the school district said in a recent statement. And there’s a handful of ways to get involved with the program — including applying, if you’re a resident between ages 12 and 24. Companies or organizations can also hire young people virtually this summer, or donate to the Philly Summer Jobs Fund.