Today marks the end of the annual UAC WorkReady program. Over 1,500 youth participants ages 14-21 showcased their summer projects in an event hosted by Erica Atwood, Director of Black Male Engagement with the City of Philadelphia.

The WorkReady program is managed city-wide by the Philadelphia Youth Network, with Urban Affairs Coalition is one of the largest providers under the program, having placed more than 35,000 youth in summer internships– 5,000 of those in the past 5 years.

Participants are matched with employers and engage in 120 hours of work experience, paid at a rate of $7.25 an hour. With a focus on the development of 21st century skills, participants receive mentoring, development sessions, and assistance with a final project.

This year, the youth presentation highlighted their program partnerships with two presentations: their perspective on financial literacy based on work with UAC’s Community and Economic Development program, as well as individual portfolios established with a future job or college application in mind, developed in collaboration with Drexel University and Digital On-Ramps.

Here’s a few highlights from the event: