A flyer announcing applications for the Morgan Stanley Finance Academy, a finance training programme for high school students run with PASE.
Why I recommend it: A single flyer, so it may not cover everything — check deadlines and eligibility with the organizers. Sponsored by Morgan Stanley, which uses it to build its own talent pipeline.
Downtown Community Television's youth media fellowship in New York City, teaching young people documentary and media-making skills.
Why I recommend it: I couldn't open this page to confirm details, so check eligibility, dates and whether it is paid on the page itself. New York City youth only.
Building Beats' programme for young people aged 16–24 to explore careers in music, media and creative technology through mentorship, internships and workshops.
Why I recommend it: Free youth program from a nonprofit; check the age range and location requirements before applying.
The UN ITU's AI for Good programme runs regional youth networks that connect students and early-career people building AI projects for social impact, with local chapters and events.
From the site: Discover our regional youth network connecting young leaders and innovators driving positive impact through AI and technology.
Why I recommend it: Free to join through the UN agency itself. A practical way to meet peers in your region rather than only reading about AI.
A global community run by AI for Good for young people who want to lead ethical AI work, with chapters, mentoring and calls for participation in ITU events.
From the site: Join the Young AI Leaders Community to empower youth, drive ethical AI innovation, and lead impactful change for a sustainable future.
Why I recommend it: Free and open to apply. Read the commitments before joining — it expects you to contribute, not just attend.
Citywide Newark initiative founded in 2019 that helps high school students prepare for postsecondary education, job training, and career paths paying a thriving wage, through career exploration, individual support, and professional development.
Why I recommend it: If you work with high school students in or near Newark, this is the network to plug into rather than building your own.
Nonprofit pairing after-school service programs for U.S. students in under-resourced communities with school construction projects in countries including Haiti, Malawi, Nepal, and Senegal.
Why I recommend it: Service work builds the exact skills interviewers probe for: follow-through, teamwork, and doing hard things without applause.
Oakland-based nonprofit that trains young people of color in web development, digital marketing, and tech career pathways through paid bootcamps and real client projects for local small businesses.
Why I recommend it: Paid training plus real clients is a rare combination. If you are young and in the Bay Area, this is a door worth knocking on twice.
National nonprofit that uses entrepreneurship as a teaching tool, guiding high school students in under-resourced communities to launch real ventures while building toward college and career.
Why I recommend it: Teenagers running a real business learn negotiation and rejection early. That head start compounds.
Pre-apprenticeship program for young adults 16-24 who left school without a diploma, combining paid construction and trade training with GED completion through local community organizations.
Why I recommend it: Paid training plus a diploma path in one program. Ask the local site about their next enrollment cycle.
Free residential and non-residential career training and education for people ages 16-24 from low-income backgrounds, including housing, meals, and a living allowance during training.
Why I recommend it: The housing and stipend piece is what makes this work for people who cannot train and pay rent at the same time.
Free career centers and job training nationwide, serving people re-entering the workforce, youth, people with disabilities, and returning citizens at no cost to eligible participants.
Why I recommend it: Often the most accessible option locally — walk-in friendly, with digital skills classes and one-on-one coaching.
One hub linking every location-based finder: workforce development boards, community colleges, unemployment benefits, apprenticeship offices, Job Corps centers, reentry programs, older worker programs, Native American programs, refugee assistance, farmworker jobs, and youth programs.
Why I recommend it: If you are not sure which program fits your situation, start here — nearly every population-specific finder lives on this one page.
A starter framework for students deciding between corporate, nonprofit, freelance, and entrepreneurship paths: defining your value proposition, getting noticed, building consistency, and understanding how you actually get paid.
In plain terms: This beginner guide helps students and first-time job seekers explore different career paths. You can build your first resume, practice basic networking conversations, and connect with youth employment programs.
Why I recommend it: Great starting point for students and anyone rebooting a career from scratch.
