Workforce Challenge 

“I don’t know what direction I might be going if it weren’t for YouthWorks. It has made the difference between a job and a career for me,” Taylor Jones said.

Workforce Solution

The first year Taylor worked with YouthWorks (2015), she spent the summer at an elementary school, through the Urban Alliance, where she worked on school-based projects and job readiness training. She learned about workplace skills and how to maneuver on the job.

The next summer Taylor worked for BGE in their Human Resources Department. That summer a press conference was held at BGE to announce a fundraiser for the YouthWorks program, and Taylor was asked to speak on behalf of all YouthWorks participants. In her speech, she mentioned that she was particularly interested in communications, which led to the director of the BGE YouthWorks initiative personally asking Taylor to return and work in their communications department in the summer of 2017.

Taylor worked a third year with YouthWorks in 2018 and had the opportunity to work with Charm TV – Baltimore City’s cable channel. “I filmed the entire AFRAM festival and conducted interviews with local and national talent. I liked being behind the camera and I learned all about the behind-the-scenes operations,” Taylor said.

Taylor attended Bard Early College High School where she was able to graduate with a high school diploma as well as two years of college credits. She is now in her second year at Morgan State University as a senior. Taylor will soon receive her bachelor’s degree from Morgan’s School of Global Journalism and Communication. She is also working part-time at Target in their Human Relations department. 

“I enjoy working in Human Relations because I get to do a lot of problem-solving and organizing of ideas. I’m also improving my writing skills,” Taylor said.

Outcomes & Benefits 

“Through my summer job experiences, I have learned how to navigate more easily in social circles. I’m naturally very reserved and being in the communications field helps me be more social with people,” Taylor shared. “Careers push you. Jobs sometimes keep people stuck,” she said. “My advice to other young adults is to find what makes you genuinely happy – something that challenges your creativity – and push yourself in that direction. Don’t live in fear.”

“Once I finish college, I’d like to intern with a local TV station or maybe with CNN in DC or New York City,” Taylor said. I like the political aspect; I like editing, directing and shooting – and I like standing in front of the camera,” she said. “Maybe I’ll be the next  News Anchor for Good Morning America!”