What makes a Career Connected Learning Philadelphia (C2L-PHL) experience different from a traditional job? C2L-PHL is a launchpad for young people who are eager to begin building a path to their future career but may not know where to start.
Young people who engage in C2L-PHL programs learn responsibility, gain experience, and get paid. The goal of C2L-PHL programming is to amplify the positives of the experience of getting a first job while reducing the hurdles that young people can face during these experiences.
In spring 2026, over 950 young Philadelphians experienced the benefit of C2L-PHL first-hand!
The C2L-PHL Difference
- No Permit Needed: Young people are paid via an educational stipend instead of an hourly wage. This means they do not need a work permit!
- In total, C2L-PHL paid over $620,000 to participants in the spring 2026 session.
- Education Included: Participants attain education that they might not otherwise receive. All C2L-PHL participants are educated on financial literacy, professionalism, and the foundational skills they will need to enter the workforce.
- At the conclusion of spring 2026 programming, 70% of participants reported they knew a lot about saving money.
- Built-In Mentoring: Networking is part of the C2L-PHL model. Young people are encouraged to create connections with their peers and program leaders. Many participants create lasting connections that open new doors to future opportunities.
- 71% of participants reported receiving support from a mentor during programming.
- Opportunity for Exploration: C2L-PHL provides a safe environment for young people to explore the world of work. Many young people do not know what they want to do in the future, and they often do not know what their options are.
- 82% of young people reported leaving C2L-PHL spring 2026 programming with career knowledge and skills.
- A Fun Way to Grow: Part of what makes C2L-PHL so successful is that young people love it!
- 86% of participants said that they would recommend the program to a friend.
First jobs are valuable experiences for a young person. Many times, it’s where they learn the ropes about work environments and how they gain insight into their own long-term career interests.
JEVS is proud to support Philadelphia’s young people as they invest in their futures. To keep up to date with C2L-PHL news, including future program opportunities, please join our mailing list.
*Data points referenced in this article were collected from C2L-PHL Spring 2026 post-program participant surveys.
Posted in Blog C2L-PHL JEVS Youth and Young Adult Programs Youth & Young Adult Services