Angel,19, spent his summer working for Ulster County Youth Build. In his own words, Angel said, "I’ve learned a lot since joining Youth Build (YB) and I now have the basics down. Before joining YB I couldn’t even read a tape measure. Now I know how to sheetrock, paint, build walls, roof, etc. We’ve also teamed up with Habitat for Humanity and we volunteered for them and insulated one of their houses on East Chester St in Kingston.

Laurence’, 17, worked her first summer job at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans Couty. Her favorite part of the program was going to different recreation groups and teaching about healthy eating with her supervisor. She would like to be a nutritionist as a future career because she loved learning about food and healthy ways of eating.

Jaimee worked at TC’s Diner doing food preparation. She learned to prepare a variety of foods according to customer’s orders, including sandwiches, wraps and desserts. She plans to “save half of my money for college”. “This job at TC’s is a great starting point for my future goal to become a personal chef”.

Equasia, going into 12th grade this fall, worked her first job this summer at the Sciencenter. This summer she learned how to “interact with a disabled child” and loved “all the kids smiling faces – when she helped or they saw something new.”

Carvin worked this summer at Newfield Central School where he learned “responsibility” and loved “working with people I know and like.” When he grows up he wants to become a “building engineer because I like the regiment of the tasks and the fact there is a final product. I like the preciseness of it.”

Xavier spent his summer working for WestCOP at White Plains Community Action Partnership. He “learned organization skills and interpersonal skills that I can use in the real world. His favorite part of the summer youth program was “helping people get food from the food pantry.”

Anthos worked this summer at the Hilton Garden Inn, where he learned “there are plenty of organizations where you can go to help you find jobs if you are unemployed.” His favorite part of the summer youth program was “the classes because I met a lot of good people and learned a lot of useful resources.”

Tasje worked at SUNY Orange this summer where she enjoyed “meeting and talking with her supervisor.” She hopes to become a neonatal nurse because she enjoys taking care of babies.

Wade, going into 8th grade this fall, worked his first job at Bobs Pizza and Deli. This summer he learned "how to make pizza dough and enjoyed his paycheck and the free meals he got at Bobs Pizza!" Wade plans to become a YouTube video producer because "they’re cool to watch."

Hiddekel worked as a laborer at Saratoga County DPW. His favorite part of the summer program was the people he got to work with. His Supervisor there said he was "the best worker they've ever had from our program. On any given day he was more than willing to jump in and do whatever needed to be done."

Mia worked her first summer job at the Town Hall in Rotterdam where she learned patience. When she grows up she wants to be a “FBI Agent in the BAU. I’ve always wanted to work with crime and Criminal Minds made me want to work in the BAU.”

Naja worked her first job at Academy Ave Park where she learned “you’re always a role model to somebody so it pays off to do the right thing.” Her favorite part of her job was “getting to give back to the community.”

Samarys spent her first job at Morgan Estates where she learned “that your appearance is importance, attendance, and attitude and that you have to be giving your task over 1000%.” Her favorite part was “working and actually starting her first job ever.”

Patrick worked this summer at his very first job at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center before he entered 11th grade in the fall. He liked "learning new things about how a hospital works and taking new tasks/challenges." He said he felt this helped him "become more independent". Patrick plans to become a physicist or mathematician because he loves math and computers.

Luke had his first job this summer at the Downtown Ithaca Alliance Info Cart. He learned “to show up every day prepared to work.” His favorite part was “communicating with the public and getting a work experience.” He hopes to be a civil engineer because he likes the environment.

Shawndra spent her summer working at Youth Mentoring services in Lockport. She learned “how to to type without getting tired of it, figured out how to use a copy and fax machine, I now also have a way better resume and cover letter than when I started here thanks to my supervisor’s help.” Her favorite part of working was the staff, she “loves everyone there.”

Austin spent his summer working for Ken’s Carpet Center where he learned “how to install many different types of carpets.” His favorite part of the job was “making money and gaining new skills.”

Markell spent his first job at WF High School where he “learned to work together with people on the job and to talk to my boss.” His favorite aprt of his job was “helping on the job with the teens.” When he grows up he “wants to work in the school because I love WFHS.”

Alysa spent her summer working for Workforce Solutions in Montgomery County where she learned “about the Metrix program and the benefits to people when applying to jobs.” Her favorite part was “meeting and working with people in a friendly environment.”

Kaina worked this summer as a Counselor, taking care of children K-7. She loved learning “more about taking care of children, how to comprehend them and talk to them about their emotions." She wants to work in a restaurant or with Photoshop when she grows up.

Serena spent her summer working at Honey Rock Farm – a bee/honey farm. Serena learned to “suit up and work with bees.” Her supervisor said she was able to find the queen bees faster than anyone he’s seen before – and this is amongst 50,000 bees.

Kaitlyn spent her summer working for Middletown Social Services where she learned how to use the electronic typewriter. She loved “meeting all the nice co-workers and learning some new skills.”

Naomi spent her first job at the Worcester Free Library this summer. Her favorite part was “learning the ways of the library and doing everything she can to help.” One thing she learned was “better social skills talking on the phone with people.”

Antonio worked his first summer job as a shop assistant where here learned to be “more reliable and got much better with time management.” He said, “it was my first job, so it was a new experience, working with my co-workers is great and I enjoy it.”

Casey, who will be entering 11th grade this fall, spent the summer working at Barker Public Library. She learned “how to organize myself” and an “easier way to alphabetize.” She loved “working here, everyone is nice, love being with kids.”

DaJon, entering 11th grade in the fall, spent his summer working for WestCOP at White Plains Community Action Partnership. One thing he learned “is how to pick weeds out of a garden.” His favorite part of the summer youth program was “helping the people in the building when they came downstairs to make copies.”

David, who will be entering 9th grade this fall, spent his summer working for the Town of East Bloomfield. His favorite part of the summer youth program was “helping the town be more organized,” and while he was there he learned “how to work with people.”

Andrew worked his first job this summer at Sonnenberg Gardens where he loved “meeting people and learning skills.” When he grows up he hoped to be a “construction worker or work with animals because he likes hands on jobs.”

Brandon spent his summer working at the Fulton County Barbershop where he learned “respect” and enjoyed “all of it.” When he grows up he wants to be a barber because “some friends shed some light on it.”

Hayley worked at Bridgehampton this summer where she learned “how to make a friendship bracelet.” Her favorite part of the job was “being able to work with the kids.” She hopes to be a teacher when she grows up.

Atea had her first job this summer at Schenectady County DSS Children Services. She learned time management skills and says her favorite part was “gaining responsibility and feeling like she had an important role in something.” Her career goal is to become a chef because she likes to help all age groups.

Ashley worked at Middletown ETA where she spent a lot of time in the JRT room. She said she learned “all the useful tips for resumes, interviews and the dos and don’ts about obtaining a job.” Her favorite part of the summer youth program was “all the great people I get to work with.”