The CATCH Career Program is an effort to give adolescents the knowledge, confidence and experience they need to begin their career journeys. After completing job readiness classes and specialized training for their fields of interest, participants are given paid internships that align with their goals. Paid Internships are guaranteed for 250 hours of work, made possible through donations, and small businesses and organizations who have partnered with CATCH. It’s our hope that many of our participants will secure permanent positions with our partners. However, when this is not possible, we will work diligently to help them obtain jobs, and give them access to paid projects within the CATCH organization.
Our network of business owners are eager to work with our youth, and give them a head start with positions and fields that are typically challenging to get into at entry level. This mutually beneficial partnership allows participants to develop a strong work ethic, while small businesses gain fresh perspectives and support, fostering growth and community collaboration. Our approach is a win-win situation for all, and benefits society as a whole.
Eligibility
To meet the eligibility requirements, participants must be between the ages of 14-17 when starting the program, have permission from a parent or guardian, and one of the following circumstances must apply to their situation:
- low-income household
- victim of abuse of any kind
- single-parent household
- ever been in foster care or homeless
- on probation
Program Details Each program term consists of working with one group of approximately 10 participants over the period of roughly 6 months.
Group Project: We kick each term off with a creative group project to help participants gain confidence and get to know each other. Our first group completed a compelling commercial to raise awareness about the CATCH Career Program, that reflected their actual situations and unique struggles that brought them here. This project took 3 weeks and consisted of 3 shoot dates, 2 editing sessions, and time spent getting licensing to make their commercial official.
Job Readiness Classes: Participants are required to complete 5 job readiness classes that are taught by experienced instructors. They get to learn about the job hiring process, create resumes, practice interviews, learn about values in the work place, money management, and meet with professionals to learn about different fields of work. To view our schedule, and get a more in depth description of each individual class, click here.
Developing a Plan / Specialized Training: While participants are completing job readiness classes, CATCH organizers will be working diligently to find them internships with small businesses that match their field of interest. We also seek out resources for their specific work, like specialized training, mentorships and field trips whenever possible.
Paid Internships: Upon completion of job readiness classes, and upon obtaining a work permit, participants are given internships with small businesses that match their field of interest. The CATCH Initiative pays participants’ salaries for 250 hours of work at $20 an hour, pertaining to a schedule in compliance with California Labor Laws.
After Paid Internships: After the CATCH Initiative’s stipend for participants is complete, small businesses are encouraged to consider hiring them for permanent positions. When this isn’t possible, CATCH organizers continue to actively support participants find another job and offer paid opportunities within the CATCH Initiative organization.
The CATCH Career program was designed to give adolescents the tools they need to transition into adulthood and protect themselves from poverty. We believe wholeheartedly that our program will make a difference in the lives of all participants long after they complete the program. This is just the kickstart of their lifelong career journey, and we are honored that they are sharing this experience with us. We can’t wait to see where their paths lead, and look forward to helping many more people along the way.
TO REGISTER:
1. Complete Registration Form
2. Complete Assignment #1
The CATCH Initiative 