Workforce Readiness Programs for Teens
Wakeman Boys & Girls Club’s Workforce Readiness programs help youth prepare for the workforce challenges of tomorrow. At Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, kids and teens will have a safe space to explore their interests and passions and develop their employability skills. From résumé writing and interview prep to mentorship, job shadowing, and real employment opportunities, members will gain the tools and support they need to succeed in today’s world.
Explore the workforce readiness programs and register today!
With the support of education, corporate, and municipal partners, Wakeman Boys & Girls Club is able to bring strategies and opportunities to support youth as they prepare for a career.
Resume Building Workshop
Grades:
9 - 12
Dates: Wednesday, October 22
Time:
7-8:30pm
Location:
Southport Clubhouse
Open drop-in for help in developing and editing your resume. Get college and career ready! Contact Coreen Ahmad at
coreen@wakemanclub.org for more information.
Live Girl
Grades: 5-8
Dates: TBD; Winter & Spring Sessions
Location:
Smilow-Burroughs
This program offers opportunities for young girls to build confidence, visualize the future, and bond amongst other girls while developing esteem and leadership qualities. Contact Erika Saucier at
esaucier@wakemanclub.org for more information.
Webster Finance Lab
Grades: 8–12
Fee: None
Dates: Wednesdays, October 15 - November 19. Winter, & Spring Sessions TBD
Time: 5:30pm–7:00pm
Location: Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse
Join us for this series focused on providing the skills needed for financial literacy and empowerment. Dinner is included.
For more information, contact Courtney Sutherland at csutherland@wakemanclub.org.
This program is generously funded by a grant from Webster Bank.
ACE Mentoring Program
Grades: 9–12
Fee: None
Dates: Oct 2025–May 2026
Registration Opens: Enrollment Closes in October
Location: Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse
Learn more by emailing Bryanna Otalvaro at botalvaro@wakemanclub.org or stop by the front desk!
This program is designed to attract high school students into pursuing careers in architecture, construction, and engineering, including skilled trades. Ten mentors from ACE companies, such as Turner, work with the students in groups to excite them about the industry and to complete a culminating architectural project. Through this 15 week program, 30 teens from Bridgeport, Fairfield, Shelton, Trumbull, and surrounding towns have opportunities for summer externships and college scholarships.
Bridgeport Fire Cadet Program
Location: Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse
Requirements: Bridgeport High School Juniors & Seniors, ages 17-18
Dates: December 25 - July 26
Fee: No cost*
Registration Opens October 6
The Bridgeport Fire Cadet Program is a collaboration between the Bridgeport Fire Department, Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, and the Bridgeport Military Academy and is seeking teens ages 17-18 who attend high school in Bridgeport and want to become Bridgeport Firefighters and have a desire to help others. Candidates should demonstrate leadership ability, understand teamwork, and possess a willingness to work hard to get into top physical condition.
*Due to a generous grant, the following opportunities will be provided at no cost to qualified candidates:
- 2-3 screening/training sessions a month
- 3-day micro fire camp to be held during the April School Vacation
- 5-day June Fire School to be held in June (by invitation only)
- Full Membership to Wakeman Boys & Girls Club (includes homework support, sports, fitness and recreation, and character & leadership opportunities.
- CPAT training and practice including the cost of the CPAT.
- Mentorship with Bridgeport FD Firefighters/Officers
- Swim Instruction and Water Rescue Training
- SWAG/merch included at no cost for program participants.
*Due to a generous grant, this opportunity will be provided at no cost to qualified candidates.
College Tours
Grades: 9-12
Dates: March, April, and May
Times: TBA
Location: Trips depart from Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse
Tours of University of Bridgeport, Sacred Heart, Fairfield University, and University of Connecticut will be available for teens to experience what college life and academics is like. We will have a guided campus tour, information sessions, and meetings with admissions officers. More information available in March 2026.
