Youth Employment Academy
YEA
Mission
The Youth Employment Academy’s mission is to serve young adults in breaking the cycle of generational poverty in Denver communities by gaining personal and economic stability through education, arts and technology, and employment training.
Vision
Every youth shall have a stable environment offering empowerment through education and economic opportunities in order to grow and become positive members of a vibrant living community.
Summary
Youth Employment Academy (YEA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to empowering young adults in marginalized communities to reach their education and employment goals. YEA offers employment training in three core industry areas: Culinary Arts, Customer Service, and the Creative Industries. For each industry focus area, YEA has a revenue-generating social enterprise or program that provides training, certification, mentorship, and internships to youth participants.
Objectives
- Train youth in industry-specific and soft skills that lead to a sustainable career or education path.
- Help youth attain certifications necessary for careers in their chosen industries.
- Provide mentorship and connect youth to wraparound supports including housing, food, healthcare and mental health support, and childcare.
- Offer paid internships that teach concrete skills and professionalism in an on-the-job setting.