Greenway Level-Up workforce development for students.

Youth economic advancement

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Lack of entry-level employment opportunities for young people of color is a significant problem in Los Angeles. Youth often find their first job in their neighborhood, but those in marginalized communities face limited opportunities due to historical lack of economic development. Financial constraints also hinder employment prospects, including limited access to transportation, appropriate work attire, and technology. Systemic oppression, discrimination, and marginalization impact self-esteem and confidence, making it harder for young people to pursue and secure jobs. Additionally, there are fewer opportunities to develop soft skills which employers highly value. Addressing these challenges requires targeted interventions to improve access and opportunities for marginalized youth.

Fairfax High School (FHS) students gain valuable work experience through Greenway's Level-UP program. Through a competitive application process, students are placed in paid apprenticeships, working alongside professional artists, technicians, producers, arts administrators and entrepreneurs at Greenway Court Theatre and Melrose Trading Post for 2 – 10 hours per week. Students work alongside industry professionals, gaining practical skills that will benefit them in school, at home, and in their future careers. Level-Up offers weekly training sessions and one-on-one mentorship guidance and professional development sessions for student workers.
Level-UP is a tiered program, starting with "student worker" positions. Through hard work and dedication, students can "level-up" to "student leader," then "graduate," and finally "captain," taking on increasing responsibility at each stage. The program offers paid internships that enhance artistic abilities and develop essential life skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, fostering personal and professional growth. More than 1,000 students have participated in this program; 80% of the MTP workforce are student workers or former student workers; seven students currently serve as “captains” and 20 former participants are current employees at Greenway as adults.

The Employment Policies Institute released a study that found that part-time work experience in students’ senior year of high school is associated with a 20% earnings premium later in their careers. Providing students with practical skills and work experience prepares them for the workforce or continuing their education. All students in the Level-Up program attend a Title I high school. Most (85%) identify as BIPOC and many live in underserved communities, struggling with financial insecurity. Enhancing employability can break the cycle of poverty, providing pathways for upward social mobility and improving socioeconomic status. Participants in the Level-Up program are exposed to entrepreneurs, sparking innovation and entrepreneurial ambitions, driving future economic vitality. Finally, participants serve as role models and mentors for younger students, creating a positive cycle of influence.

Several methods are used to evaluate students’ improvement and accountability. Upon hiring, students are asked about their goals and desired skills. This information forms the basis of their development tracking plan, ensuring the program is tailored to individual needs and goals. Each student is assigned an advisor who monitors their progress throughout the internship. Weekly check-in meetings review goals and skill development, providing regular oversight and support. Recent tracking of alumni post-graduation, provides insights into career and education paths. The 2023-24 graduating cohort completed pre- and post-program evaluations. Initially, 50% of students felt adequately prepared for public speaking and job interviews, but this figure increased to 95% post-program. This and other metrics demonstrate that the program effectively addresses the problem by equipping students with essential skills for future success.