Building Futures Through Youth Employment

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester is proud to partner with the ROC Youth Employment Network, an initiative helping connect local teens with meaningful summer employment opportunities that build skills, confidence, and future career pathways. At a recent press conference announcing the opening of program applications, Executive Director Dwayne Mahoney spoke about the powerful role youth employees play in strengthening both the Club and the broader community.

Mahoney emphasized that the collaboration between community partners—including RochesterWorks, the City of Rochester, and Monroe County—creates vital access points for young people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to explore early work experiences. “The team of people working together is thoughtful about how to make this program work,” he shared, noting that partnerships like these help the Club connect with teens who bring new energy, perspectives, and potential.

Youth employment is not only an opportunity for teens to earn income—it is also a pathway to personal growth and academic success. Mahoney highlighted that teen workers are “the glue of what we do at the Club,” supporting programs, mentoring younger members, and contributing to the welcoming environment families rely on every day. Through these experiences, the Club works to help teens translate their passion for their jobs into motivation for their education, reinforcing the connection between workforce readiness and academic achievement.

The initiative also aligns with a nationwide Boys & Girls Clubs workforce development focus, ensuring that local teens gain real-world experience while developing the leadership, teamwork, and responsibility skills that prepare them for long-term success. As Mahoney noted during the event, once you get to know these young employees, “you realize how special they truly are.”

Speakers at the press conference—including Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Rochester Mayor Malik Evans—underscored the importance of continued collaboration across government, workforce agencies, and community organizations to ensure that more young people have access to these transformative opportunities.

Through partnerships like the ROC Youth Employment Network, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester continues its commitment to helping teens build strong foundations for college, careers, and life—while strengthening the programs and communities they serve today.