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By Youth Initiatives Manager Nicole Hanson, Employment Security Department
Today’s young people are looking for work opportunities and careers that don’t fit the traditional 9-to-5 schedule. In my role supporting youth initiatives at ESD, I’ve learned that young people seeking support with education and careers are looking for something different. Youths who have grown up with digital technology know there is money to be made through virtual work, such as influencing on social media.
Inversely, many young people seek to distance themselves from being constantly plugged in. They’re developing entrepreneurial endeavors that honor the wisdom of Indigenous peoples, such as farming and cooperatively owned enterprises. They are mindful of prioritizing their well-being and contributing to the well-being of their communities.
Undocumented youths and young adults, and those affected by systemic inequities, experience notable barriers in engaging in the formal economy. Yet, all young people deserve the opportunity to earn self-sustaining wages and generate intergenerational wealth and legacy.
To support equitable outcomes for all such young people, the Employment Security Department proudly collaborated to create the Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA): a free, virtual, on-demand resource that supports young adults at any stage of their entrepreneurship journey. Employment Security worked with the Department of Commerce and the YEA Young Adult Advisory Council, which is a group of young people at various stages of their own entrepreneurship journeys.
“Nothing about us without us”
This phrase, first introduced in the U.S. by the disability rights movement, stresses the importance of inclusion and representation in decision-making, especially at the systems level. It speaks to the importance of co-design. Products, services, and policies are more responsive and sustainable when we draw on the lived experience of the folks most impacted.
Including young entrepreneurs as consultants on all aspects of the work is what this systems-level partnership and inclusion look like in action. The Department of Commerce and Employment Security partnered to facilitate the Young Adult Advisory Council and the state Office of Equity funded it. It has been an honor to work alongside this council to co-design the YEA concept, curriculum, companion tools, the website and even the social media outreach campaign!
More about the academy
YEA was a direct outcome of the U.S. Department of Labor Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title 1-B Youth statewide community of practice. This group has representation from all 12 local workforce development boards.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, the WIOA Youth program supports eligible young adults, ages 14-24, who face barriers to education, training and employment. Funds for youth services are allocated to states and local areas based on a formula.
The program includes 14 elements available to all participants. One of the elements is entrepreneurial skills training. The community of practice determined that WIOA youth would benefit greatly from a free, statewide resource that provides equitable access to a curriculum tailored to Washington state requirements. Read about all 14 program elements on the WorkforceGPS website.
YEA is a shining example of working at the speed of trust, co-designing with living experts and leveraging the expertise of state and local partners. YEA exemplifies the benefit of thought partnership within the WIOA Youth community of practice and interagency partnership.
For more information, read the Department of Commerce’s blog on StartUp Washington.
