Developing Philadelphia’s Youth Workforce through 8,000 Paid Learning Experiences in Summer 2026

When asked about her experience getting paid to learn, Desiree Hernandez, a Career Connected Learning Philadelphia (C2L-PHL) participant with Liguori Academy said, “I was investing in the person I will become in the future.”

Desiree’s investment reflects the purpose of C2L-PHL. Providers, partners, and program leadership convened on October 22, 2026 to commemorate the third successful summer of programming.

C2L-PHL programs offer hands-on work experience, professional development training, and the opportunity for young people to grow and build their networks. Cynthia Figueroa, President and CEO of JEVS Human Services said, “These experiences matter. They build confidence, expand networks, and open doors to opportunities that young people might not otherwise have access to.” As the intermediary of C2L-PHL, JEVS Human Services (JEVS) hosted the event and celebrated the program’s impact.

This summer, more than 8,000 young Philadelphians got paid to learn!

This feat was largely made possible by supportive funding from the Mayor’s Office. The Mayor’s Office, supported by City Council, also approved an additional multi-year, $3 million investment that added 1,000 new C2L-PHL spaces for this summer.

These experiences are vital for Philadelphia’s youth. Speaking about the importance, Dr. Noah Tennant, Interim Associate Superintendent of Secondary School Performance told providers at the convening, “When young people do not see a path forward, they can lose hope. We look forward to our young people embracing hope.”

Hope is fostered through these paid learning opportunities that encourage participants and prepare them for their futures. C2L-PHL focuses on equipping youth with foundational skills they need now and as they enter the world of work.

Across all programs, C2L-PHL participants logged a total of 1.1 million hours of experience and earned over $10 million in stipends and wages! Those earnings allow young people to pay for the things they want and need, save for the future, and build sustainable paths to independence.

That investment in young Philadelphians would not be possible without the support and dedication of C2L-PHL program partners. Participants have the option to work with one of 68 programs, most of which were in attendance to commemorate the success of summer 2026.

Summer 2026 participants put that mission into practice. Jamir Johnson, a C2L-PHL program participant with MasterMind Cooperative said, “more opportunities come to you when you take opportunities instead of shying away.”

The need for programs like C2L-PHL is only growing. Over 19,000 young people applied to participate in C2L-PHL’s Summer 2026 programming. JEVS and program leadership hope to continue growing program capacity and provide more paid learning experiences for young Philadelphians next year.

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