Shannon is currently in college, and worked her first summer job at Little Lambs Child Development Center. "I enjoyed being able to spend time with and play with the kids. I learned how to handle the children when they misbehave and how to be patient with them." "I would like a career in the field of graphic design and animation, possibly advertising or something similar—it’s what I am going to school for."

Jonathan worked his first summer job this year at the Corning YMCA. "My favorite part was having a good time talking and working with my co-workers and boss. I learned how to work well with a team." He plans to become an auto technician.

Garrison has graduated from high school, and spent his summer working at the Niskayuna Highway Department. He enjoyed "meeting new people" and he "learned to do many new things including how to maintain and fix a variety of environments." Garrison aims to become a police officer.

Da'Rasha is a high school equivalency recipient and spent her summer working at CVS. "My favorite part was working with my co-workers, they are great to work with. I learned how to use the price gun, how to help stock things and how to pull stuff form the backroom when needed." She would like to work as a wedding photographer or as a hotel/restaurant manager.

Michael recently dropped out of high school, and has taken the high school equivalency. This summer he worked at the Ulster County Tourism Office. "I liked meeting and greeting the tourists. I love meeting new people from far away. Just today we had a couple stop by from Alaska. I want to travel so it was cool meeting them. I learned from this job that there is a lot of stuff to do in Kingston & this area." Michael plans to own his own business or to work with children in human services.

Nadia is currently a college student. She worked this summer at her very first job at the Boys & Girls Club at Steinmetz Park. "My favorite part of the summer youth program was engaging in activities with the kids. The biggest thing I learned is that when working with children you must always have a plan and be ready to go." Nadia is unsure what her career will be, but is studying early childhood.

Michelle has had some college experience, and worked her first summer job at the Franklin County Public Health Department. She learned "that people will forgive you and help you when you make mistakes. I learned the importance of confidentiality, and I increased my vocabulary." I liked getting to learn about the public and preparing for the Medical Counter Measures Drill." Michelle would like to work in a health care setting or an office.

Kenneth has just finished high school, and worked this summer at Economic Opportunities Program Bistro. This aligned with his career goal of becoming a chef. He "likes handling food" and learned "how to prepare food properly." His favorite part of this job was "feeding the kids" that participate in the summer feeding program.

Avonlea worked this summer at the National Bottle Museum. Her favorite part was that "I got to grow. I grew confidence and made friends." She also learned, "how to share information with others." She would like to be a "music teacher because I have always found a safe haven in music and with my music teachers."

Alyssa, who has had some college, worked this summer at Colonial Child Care. She enjoyed "working with kids" and learned to "be patient". Alyssa plans to be an elementary school teacher.

Michael worked his first job this summer, before headed back to high school, at Tioga Opportunities. Michael enjoyed "working with other employees and the public". He learned how to "cook a lot of meals and use an industrial dishwasher." Michael plans to become a music teacher.

Estuardo worked this summer at his very first job, before headed back to high school, at the Minuteman Press of Mamaroneck. He liked "how it felt to work with co-workers and talking with them." He also learned an important lesson "to spend money on what you need not what you want." Estuardo plans to become a plane engineer, due to his love of math.

Kasim is going into 12th grade and work at the Seedfolk City Farm. This summer he learned the importance of "seeing other people's point of view". He hopes to turn his love of photography and art into a career, and study at RIT.

Layne worked his first job this summer at Hornell High School. He learned "several means of maintenance that I could potentially use at any point in my life." He also shared that he learned "to be on time and accountable, as well as working hard and staying committed." Layne plans to join the military.

CJ had his first job this summer with the NYS Unified Court System, and will be in the 11th grade this year. He found the jail tours eye-opening, and learned "the importance of networking with new people and constantly communicating with my co-workers. You never know where life will lead you so it is important to get to know as many people as you can, because that could be the person who hires you later on."

Maria is currently a college student. She worked this summer at the Youth Bureau and enjoyed "helping with the Greening Project to run the student group presentation, and helping with events." She learned that "patience" is the most important skill. Maria's career goal is to become a detective or psychologist.

Jessica worked at the Cornell Cooperative Extension this summer before headed back to high school. She would like to be a "journalist, because I like to write, and I’m good at it. My favorite part of the program was working with the people here. How to answer phone calls and share knowledge with others. I learned about 4H and I joined it!"

Halei spent her summer between her freshman and sophomore years in college working with the Fairgrounds YMCA. Her favorite part of the job was the "senior citizens' picnic" and she learned "how to build a resume". Her career goal is to become an "accountant, because I like math".

Wesley worked this summer at Kerhonkson Elementary School in custodial. "My favorite part of the program this summer was forming a bond with my coworkers. I take the bus each morning and I was able to meet many new people and form new friendships along the way". He learned, "You have to be disciplined to have a job. If you want to make a good living and reach your goals you have to be committed to waking up, being on time & working very hard for your paycheck" Wesley wants to be a gym teacher.

Kaemar is headed to his junior year in high school, and enjoyed his summer job at the Town of Marlborough Summer Camp. "My favorite part about the job is that we do so many things. We went to the Ulster County Pool, Wooden Wheels, and the Ulster County Fair. We also had a blow up bouncy house and a slip and slide. I learned that kids don’t listen that often but you have to keep talking to them. Sometimes I have to take toys away from them." He would like to be a pediatrician.

Tyler worked this summer at the Newark Valley Elementary School. He enjoyed "working with his fellow employees and learned how to work well with others." Tyler plans to work as a computer engineer.

Lyndale worked his first summer job this year, before returning back to high school, at Project Grow. His favorite part of the program was "cooking" and he learned how to "do soil testing at the garden sites." He would like to be a welder, as his "grandmother was a welder and spoke highly of the career".

Sarah is going into her senior year of high school, and worked at Creative Choices Child Care Center. "I want to be a social worker because I like to work with kids and I want to help people. I love my job and getting to see the kids every day." She learned how to "multi-task" during this job.

Breeya worked her first job this summer at the Seneca County House of Concern. She shared, "the work experience and getting to make new friends at work. I definitely learned better organization skills, and how it really is at a job." Breeya is not sure what career she will pursue just yet, but is exploring many options.

Joan worked this summer at the Carriage House Art Studio. She enjoyed "meeting new people and learning new art skills" and "how to handle hectic situations and remain calm". "I am planning to join the US AirForce. If not or after the Airforce, I would like to to college for Astronomy."

This summer Cassie worked at Philadelphia Primary School. Her favorite part of the job was the "family I work with that push me to better and cheer me up when I'm down." She learned that "you have to put in your full effort in whatever you do, and that attendance is important." Cassie plans to enter the field of social work.

Diamond is going into her senior year of high school. She continued to work this summer through the Law Prep Program at a local law firm. Her career goal is to become a family court judge. She learned, "I don’t want to be a sitting at the desk type of lawyer; that deals with real estate and wills. I want to do family law and or criminal law were theirs more interaction with the people."

Tania worked her first summer job at Braeside Camp this summer before heading back to high school. Her favorite part was "having the ability to take on tasks that were new and working with different personalities." "I learned to follow directions and work ethic that I can use in future jobs." Tania plans to be a "school teacher or a child's therapist" because she "loves working with kids and helping other people".

Aniyah graduated from high school and worked this summer at the Newburgh Free Academy. She enjoyed "working in a comfortable environment and meeting new people" and "learned about a typewriter". She would like to pursue a career as a "nutritionist, as I want to continually live a healthy lifestyle and help others do the same."

Alicia worked her first summer job this year at the Packard Court Community Center. She "loved going on field trips with the kids." She learned, "you always have to keep your eyes on the kids; as soon as you look away something bad could happen." She plans to be a lawyer focusing on working with children.

Jake worked his first job this summer at Barker Free Library. His favorite part of the job was "interacting with the regulars at the library - we had some good laughs". He learned "how to properly approach and treat different types of customers. I also learned how to answer phones correctly and handle petty cash." Jake hasn't made career plans yet, but does intend to go to college.

Matt has recently graduated from high school, and this summer at the Village Department of Public Works. He enjoyed "everything" about the program and "learned you can find a job you like". He would like to become a diesel technician.

This summer Gabbi, Stephen and Nataleigh worked at the Genesee County Nursing Home. There, they enjoyed "getting to know new people" and "working with the residents." Gabbi learned "responsibility" and plans to become a substance abuse counselor. Stephen learned "patience" and plans to go into nursing, and Nataleigh learned to "communicate better" and her goal is to be a cardiac surgeon.

Alia has completed high school and worked this summer at Care Net Pregnancy Center. She "really enjoyed my work this summer, but also appreciated meeting with my counselor about future jobs, applications, and the interviewing process." She learned "how to better communicate and telephone skills." Alia would like to be a "midwife, as I am interested in assisting at births and I love children."

Before headed back to high school this fall, Tasia worked her first job at the Carthage Free Library. Her favorite part about the experience was "being able to experience working and being treated as an adult". She learned "a lot about applying or jobs". Tasia hopes to become a teacher or psychologist because she enjoys helping people.

Elise is entering her second year of college. She really enjoyed "her job and meeting all of the kids" while working at the Fairground YMCA. She learned "how to work well with others" and hopes to be an "event planner" one day, as she likes "being creative and planning important days for people".

Christina just graduated from high school, and spent her summer working her very first job at Theresa Primary School. She learned "a lot about the school; how to clean walls and scrub floors; and some electrical work". She would like to pursue a career in nursing or social work "because I like to help people".

Sarina worked this summer at the Roosevelt/Freeport E.O.C. before returning to high school. She enjoyed "making the children smile" and learned "you have to be patient and creative." She plans to pursue a career in medicine, and would like to work as an OB/GYN because "being part of the beginning of life is really special".

Derricia worked this summer at the Roosevelt/Freeport E.O.C., before she heads back to high school this fall. She enjoyed "working with the children" and learned "patience and better communication skills". She is still undecided and exploring her career options.

Amani worked this summer, before headed back to high school, at the Roosevelt/Freeport E.O.C. There he learned how to "deal with children with certain needs" and "working with the children" was his favorite part of the job. Amani plans to be a Human Resources Manager.

Raymond has graduated from high school, and worked this summer at the Alice Hyde Medical Center. He hopes to"find full-time work after the program in the field of Corrections or something like that." He learned, "new work skills and gave me something to do this summer."

William worked his first summer job at St. Andre Bessette's. He learned a wide range of skills from "grave digging, lawn maintenance, and loading food for the local food pantry." He would like to be a chef as a future career.

Alyssa worked her first job this summer at the Walter Elwood Museum. Her favorite part of the program was also participating in the STEM program. She is pursuing her dreams as musician in college.

Catherine and Bethany both worked this summer at CDL Insurance, where they learned to "file paperwork correctly". Catherine plans to pursue a career in "business" and Bethany would like the become a lawyer. Not pictured: Cheyenne, 17. She plans to be a photographer. She learned to "transfer phone calls."

Arihanna worked at the Village of Sidney this summer before heading back to high school. She learned "the different terms relating to local governments" and enjoyed learning new skills like "writing grants". She plans to pursue a career in law or politics, specifically looking at the criminal justice system.

Colin worked his first job this summer, before heading back to high school, at Sidney Senior Meals. He shared "it was nice to do something positive instead of sitting around bored. I like being able to make my own money and deciding what to spend it on." He learned, "how to wash dishes correctly" this summer. Colin would like to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Monai will be a high school senior this year. During the Summer Youth Employment Program, Monai gained clerical skills, in order to work in an office environment. Her favorite part of the job was "that everyone was nice and she earned money." Monai plans to pursue college, with the goal of being a surgeon.

Joe continued to work this summer landscaping at the Cortland Rural Cemetery. His supervisor shared, "“He’s really stepped up and he’s just an admirable young man,” Briggs said. “Joey is not shy of work and he leaves here ... and goes to his second job.” To support his 3 year old daughter, Ruddy also works weekends at a trucking company in Moravia and is being homeschooled, working to get his high school equivalency diploma. Joey plans to open his own landscaping business.

Anna worked her first job this summer at Smooth Moves at the Beach. She learned how to be flexible and work in a fast paced environment. She plans to pursue a career as a veterinarian.

Valori worked her first job this summer at Verde View Equestrian. When she was asked what she liked about her job she shared, It would have to be all of it. This has been the best experience I have ever had, also meeting new people, and working with them as a team. I am now friends with new youth from around the county and are friends with them on Facebook! I also am a volunteer now at Verde View." She plans to go into forensic sketching.

Shakur had his first job this summer at Cassadaga Valley Central School, where he worked with fellow team members to paint the school. He learned to "work more together and communicate with my team members". His career goal is to become a "hairstylist because I love the beauty in woman and making them feel like a brand new person."

Brooke and Anthony worked this summer at Jamestown Metal Products. This aligned with both of their career goals, which they are studying at Jamestown Community College. Brooke would like to be an engineer and Anthony is studying to be a welder. Brooke explained, "Not only did I learn about production work at Jamestown Metal Products but I also learned how to effectivly work with others in a factory setting." Anthony shared the practical skills he learned, "I learned how to make pallets."

Tyekwon's summer youth supervisor shared this about their experience this summer. "What initially caught my eye was that Tyekwon was always quiet and never engaged in the usual banter on the bus as the others did. But what really impressed me was that as we drove by sites that represented the new emerging Buffalo, Tyekwon would always ask questions. He was eager to learn."

This was Idasia's first job! She enjoyed her summer working with the Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier. Her favorite part of of her job was "Interacting with the clients and assisting with the intakes. Working this summer made me realize how much I want to become a psychologist or counselor.” “One thing that I learned is that you cannot take everything personally and that it’s important to always keep a smile on your face."

Adam worked this summer, before heading back to 11th grade, with the North Country Workforce Board. He enjoyed "getting to work with so many new people." He learned, "to never be afraid to ask for help". Adam is still exploring his career goals.

This summer Amanda, who is in college, worked with the 4-H Education Center at Finch Hollow. As she described it, “One thing that I learned this summer is that all children do not learn the same way, and that some may need more attention than others. That’s part of the reason that I decided that I would like to have a career teaching children with disabilities.” Amanda would like to pursue a career teaching children with disabilities.