With support from Comcast, the yearlong program will provide training, mentorship, and paid internships to high school seniors attending Duval County Public Schools
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 15, 2024 — Genesys Works, a national youth career readiness program for students in underserved communities, announced today that it is planning to expand into Jacksonville, Florida in 2025. Supported by a $250,000 grant from Comcast, the nonprofit is now conducting a fundraising campaign to secure the additional startup funds to launch the new site.
“We are thrilled to partner with Genesys Works to help bring its program to Jacksonville, offering local students invaluable training, hands-on experience and early exposure to career paths that will help ensure their long-term success,” said Michelle Oyola McGovern, Vice President of Government Affairs for Comcast’s Florida Region. “Our commitment to advancing economic opportunity aligns with Genesys Works’ mission to eliminate barriers and build a diverse, skilled workforce.”
As part of the yearlong program, rising high school seniors in Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) attending William M. Raines, Jean Ribault, Edward White, Englewood, Mandarin, and Terry Parker high schools will complete eight weeks of intensive technical and soft skills training during the summer. They will then participate in paid, part-time internships at top employers.
Alex Rudnick will serve as Executive Director of Genesys Works Jacksonville. Previously Managing Director of Community Impact & Partnerships at the nonprofit Generation, Rudnick brings more than 15 years of experience in K-12, higher education, and workforce development.
“Genesys Works has a meaningful, measurable impact on the lives of the students it serves, placing them on a path for long-term success after high school,” said Rudnick. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside these gifted, motivated young adults and provide our leading companies with greater access to our community’s future talent.”
Genesys Works has a proven track record of connecting young people to higher education and livable-wage careers, as evidenced by its outcomes. More than 90% of participants enroll in college. Program alumni earn a median income of $60,000 per year six years after high school and are three times more likely to graduate with a bachelor’s degree than other low-income students.
“Our early intervention model enables high school students to build their confidence and prepares them for both postsecondary education and professional careers,” said Jeffrey Artis, President and CEO of Genesys Works. “Our expansion to Jacksonville reflects our ongoing work to increase possibilities for students who need our guidance the most. With support from Comcast and the community, we can improve lives, providing not just a job but a trajectory toward upward mobility and economic sustainability.”
Students selected for the program will begin training in June 2025, with internships starting in August. They will work up to 20 hours per week at a competitive rate of $14 per hour. Nationwide, more than 277 companies partner with Genesys Works to gain access to an emerging pool of talent.
“Genesys Works’ expansion into Jacksonville represents a significant investment in our young people, and we are excited to partner with the program to expand pathways for our students that prepare them for college and career success,” said Corey Wright, Assistant Superintendent of Accountability & Assessment at DCPS.
The program’s comprehensive approach also includes over 60 hours of career guidance and coaching, from the college application process and financial aid to resume writing and interview techniques. More than half of Genesys Works participants attend college without needing to take out any student loans.
To explore partnership opportunities, or support for Genesys Works, contact Jamie Grant at jgrant@gensysworks.org.
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About Genesys Works
Genesys Works provides pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities. Our program consists of 8 weeks of technical and professional skills training, paid year-long corporate internships, college and career coaching, and long-term alumni support to move individuals out of economic inequality and into professional careers. Founded in 2002, Genesys Works now serves thousands of students annually in Houston, Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul, the San Francisco Bay Area, Washington’s National Capital Region, New York City, and Tulsa. To learn more, visit genesysworks.org.
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