At EdSystems, our commitment to advancing racial equity and preparing more learners for productive lives extends beyond providing guidance; it’s about embodying the principles we advocate. We recognize the importance of leading by example, which is why our Youth Apprenticeship is more than just a new initiative—it’s a testament to our dedication to practicing what we preach. By actively engaging in the mentorship of high school youth apprentices, we not only guide the next generation of leaders in education policy but also demonstrate a genuine belief in the transformative power of our mission.
Our Role
In a rapidly evolving world, traditional education alone may not be enough to prepare our youth for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Our Youth Apprenticeship program is a response to this need, offering a unique blend of hands-on experience, networking with industry professionals, and postsecondary planning. All members of the EdSystems team serve as industry mentors within our youth apprenticeship program. Youth apprentices at EdSystems engage in:
- Departmental rotations within EdSystems, including statewide policy, community-level engagement, and communications.
- College visits and career exploration, including one-on-ones, guest speakers, and job shadows with education and policy organizations outside of EdSystems.
- Independent projects in a topic area of interest within education policy.
The youth apprenticeship is a three-year program that strongly emphasizes developing essential employability skills and technical skills. Youth apprentices work 15–20 hours per week and receive an hourly wage that increases annually based on their growing responsibilities and performance and an education stipend for each semester enrolled in a postsecondary program. As they continue each year, youth apprentices will have the opportunity to mentor new apprentices. Upon completion, youth apprentices can apply for a full-time position; if they choose not to continue with EdSystems, we will facilitate connections to other education policy organizations.
