National League of Cities & City of Houston: Advancing Economic Mobility

Building Pathways to Economic Mobility for Houston's Opportunity Youth

 

One of the Mayor’s Office of Education & Youth Engagement’s (MOEYE) main priorities has always been to expand career opportunities for youth, develop their professional skills, and improve communities economic outcomes. With the support of the National League of Cities' Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant, we are building a scalable model that gives youth the hands-on experience, wraparound support, and mentorship they need to access long-term economic mobility. The goal is simple: remove barriers and build bridges.

Participants work 10 hours a week, for up to 8 weeks per semester, and are paid $15 an hour. They receive job training and perform entry-level work including data entry, event planning, graphic design, community outreach, social media communications, grant writing, policy research, among other clerical and administrative duties. Interns will also attend city council meetings, communications/press events, and other city and community functions to learn more about the various employment and career opportunities offered at the City of Houston. Youth will benefit from gained confidence, job skill attainment, local government knowledge, networking, and job exploration.

Our model doesn’t stop at the paycheck. Additionally, each youth will be connected to at least one wraparound service, whether it’s mental health counseling, financial literacy training, childcare, or transportation. We’ve partnered with several leading community organizations to ensure that every young person gets the support they need, not just to participate, but to thrive. This program provides valuable work experience and integrates youth into the local economy. Fostering a sense of responsibility and community engagement, preparing them for future careers, and increasing their employability.

A few of our current and past interns have gone on to pursue other careers as well as higher education. The MOEYE team is thrilled to be able to provide these individuals with a new vision of their future. Read some of their testimonials below:

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Youth Testimonials

Teaching STEM to children and teens not only gave me hands-on experience in tech education, but also helped me earn income to support my education goals and contribute to my family. This job helps me pay for my school supplies…, and helps me be able to support myself, and sometimes even my mother when needed. I’ve also learned a lot from my co-workers at City Hall and Parks & Rec, everyone has been super awesome! I feel like this opportunity has truly opened doors for my future, and I’m truly grateful for being selected for the chance to work for the City of Houston through [T]ech [C]onnect!

- Leighton

My experience interning at the Mayor's Office of Education and Youth [E]ngagement was very informative, and… I gained firsthand insight into how government offices serve their communities while developing essential professional skills such as cold calling, executive communication, and effective teamwork. …The economic support I received from this internship allowed me to fund my college education…. Most importantly, I am grateful for the guidance and leadership of Laura Cuellar, Ebony Jones, and Olivera Jankovska. Their mentorship made me feel both welcomed and motivated throughout my internship. …I left the program with skills and experiences that will benefit me far into my career.

- Ryan

Being a part of the MOEYE team has excelled my professional skills and taught me how to be a better communicator. Because of this internship, I am able to gain real world experience, further my career, and am able to be exposed to other professional opportunities. I love working for the city I grew up in and giving back to my community. The people I work alongside have mentored and guided me along the way, allowing me to work with passion and create innovative ideas. I appreciate everyone who is a part of the MOEYE department because they have pushed me to succeed.

- Anahid

Working at the Mayor's Office of Education and Youth Engagement has provided me an invaluable experience. I’ve been able to interact and communicate with various community leaders that have shared their experiences and opinions, which has helped me gain greater insight into how Houston functions on the executive level. I’ve been able to help my time by working on grants, attending events, and curating social media campaigns. Overall, I believe this opportunity has created a great baseline for me to continue improving upon as I move forward in my professional life and career.

- Osiris

Additional Resources

• Education Home Page
• About Us
• Youth Engagement Page
• Another Step for Youth Podcast
• Emergency Preparation Resources for Youth
• Youth Mental Health Guide
• Learn More