Pathways to Careers provides structured career‑readiness training, industry exposure, and hands‑on learning opportunities for youth across Orange County. Both of our program tracks include skill‑building workshops, career exploration activities, and guided support from staff and industry partners.
Workforce Development Program
The Workforce Development Program is a comprehensive WIOA‑funded track focused on career exploration, soft‑skills development, and building industry connections. Eligible youth must meet low‑income guidelines and have at least one additional primary barrier to employment. See the “Program Eligibility” tab for more information.
Enrollment for the Workforce Development Program is ongoing. Youth ages 14-24 can apply during any time of the year. Youth under 18 must have parent/guardian permission.
Program Structure
- Ten (10) required workshops*, including:
- Mock Interview
- Industry Roundtable
- One (1) industry tour*
- One (1) job shadow*
- A completed resume
*The industry tour and job shadow requires in-person attendance. Some workshops may require in-person attendance.
Youth can also be eligible to receive access to WIOA supportive services, including transportation assistance, work attire, certification support, training vouchers, and other resources that reduce barriers to employment.
This track is designed to help youth gain clarity on career interests, strengthen workplace behaviors, and build meaningful connections with industry professionals.
Internship Program
The Internship Program supports eligible youth ages 16–24 living in Orange County or surrounding counties who are willing to travel to internship sites.
Youth will enroll using the eligibility form. The program runs from Fall through Summer, and youth who enroll in the Spring or Summer will be placed into the following cohort. Youth under 18 must have parent/guardian permission.
Program Structure
- Workshops conducted during the Fall and Winter (school year)
- Eight (8) required workshops to qualify for internship placement
- Workshops typically held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 5–6 PM
- Sessions offered in virtual and in‑person formats
- Some in‑person attendance may be required
- Sessions occur at various locations across Orange County
- Youth select their top three industries during initial sessions
- Internships (80 hours) take place in the Summer (June–July) based on selected industries
This track prepares youth for workplace expectations and places them in real work‑based learning experiences aligned with their interests.
Pathways to Careers offers two program tracks designed to support youth in developing the skills, experience, and resources needed to move toward meaningful career opportunities.
Workforce Development Program (ages 14–24)
- A WIOA‑funded program for eligible in‑school (ages 14-21) and out‑of‑school youth (ages 16-24) who meet low‑income guidelines and have at least one additional primary barrier to employment. Primary barriers include:
- Basic skills deficiency
- Homelessness, runaway status, or housing instability
- Foster youth or former foster youth
- Justice‑involved youth
- Pregnant or parenting youth
- Youth with disabilities
- School dropout
- English language learner
- Other documented barriers impacting employment readiness
- Participants receive structured career development, soft‑skills training, and access to WIOA supportive services, such as transportation assistance, work attire, certification support, training vouchers, and other resources that reduce barriers to employment
- Youth must reside in Orange County, California (excluding Santa Ana and Anaheim).
Internship Program (ages 16–24)
- For eligible youth living in Orange County or surrounding counties who are willing to travel to internship sites. This track provides hands‑on industry experience through internships or job shadows, paired with targeted workplace‑readiness training.
Click here to determine if you are eligible for our program.
Youth must be eligible for either our Internship Program or Workforce Development Program. Youth under 18 must have parent/guardian permission. Please checkout the “Program Eligibility” tab for more information.
Check your eligibility and sign up for our program here or fill out the form below.
For more information or for questions, please contact our Program Coordinator, Dolores, at dolores@vitallink.org.
