BPS - Edward M. Kennedy Academy Health Careers

Overview

Youth Employment Program Model – Huskies Summer Bridge Program and What Sets Us Apart The Huskies Summer Bridge Program is EMK’s foundational youth development and early workforce readiness initiative, designed to support rising 9th grade students as they transition into high school while introducing them to professional skills, career awareness, and workplace expectations.

Within this model, youth employment is framed not simply as a job, but as an early career development experience that builds habits, confidence, and exposure to the world of work.

1. Employment as a Developmental Experience Summer Bridge participants engage in structured, paid roles that are intentionally designed to teach workplace readiness. Rather than focusing on production-based work, the program emphasizes:

• Professional behavior and communication
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Time management and punctuality
• Accountability and goal setting

Students learn how to function in a professional environment for the first time, supported by staff who explicitly teach and reinforce these skills.

A central employment feature of the Summer Bridge model is the Peer Mentor program, where returning EMK students (rising 11th and 12th graders) are hired as paid youth leaders. These Peer Mentors:

• Support small groups of incoming 9th graders
• Model positive academic and professional habits
• Assist with program facilitation and daily logistics
• Serve as near-peer role models for high school success

All Summer Bridge youth employees participate in explicit workforce development workshops embedded into the program schedule. Topics include:

• Workplace communication and conflict resolution
• Resume building and self-advocacy
• Financial literacy and understanding pay
• Career exploration within healthcare and related fields

Even at the 9th grade entry point, Summer Bridge introduces students to careers aligned with EMK’s healthcare focus. Through guest speakers, career panels, and project-based learning, students begin to see the connection between school, employment, and future healthcare careers.

Students regularly engage in guided reflection on their work habits, strengths, and areas for growth. This helps them build self-awareness and set personal and academic goals for the school year ahead, reinforcing that employment is part of a longer journey toward career success.

• Early Intervention at a Critical Transition Point:
  Unlike many youth employment programs that begin in later high school, Summer Bridge serves students before or at the very start of 9th grade. This early exposure helps students develop professional habits and a sense of responsibility at a formative moment in their academic journey.
• Leadership Pathway for Returning Students:
  The Peer Mentor model creates a meaningful youth leadership employment opportunity, where older students are not only employed but entrusted with responsibility, mentorship, and program support roles. This builds real leadership, communication, and teamwork skills that are highly transferable to future jobs.
• Integrated Academic, Social-Emotional, and Workforce Development:
  Summer Bridge does not treat employment as separate from youth development. College and Career readiness is woven together with academic preparation and social-emotional skill building, helping students develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging alongside professional skills.
• Strong Adult Coaching and Supervision:
  Students receive daily support from trained staff who act as supervisors, mentors, and coaches. This ensures youth are not just placed in roles but are actively guided through challenges, feedback, and skill-building conversations.
• Equity-Focused Access to First Work Experiences: EMK serves students who are predominantly from low-income households and often have limited access to early work opportunities. Summer Bridge provides a safe, structured, and supportive first employment experience, ensuring that students…