Empowering Teens: The Launch of the Youth Workforce Development Center

A Bold New Vision for Teen Success

For decades, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati has been a safe haven for thousands of children across our region. We've built our reputation on strong programming for youth, especially for those in grades K through 8. But as we looked toward the future and listened closely to the voices of our members, one thing became clear: we needed to do more for teens. That future starts now with the upcoming launch of our brand-new Youth Workforce Development Center, a first-of-its-kind initiative exclusively for high school students.

Currently under construction in Price Hill, the 10,000-square-foot facility sits adjacent to our Larry & Rhonda Sheakley Club, creating a connected "campus" experience where youth can grow from K through 12 with continuous support from BGCGC. Designed specifically for teens and their evolving needs, the new location will offer career training, life skills development and mentorship, along with the respect and independence high school students deserve.

The Youth Workforce Development Center will serve 40 to 60 teens per night, with an initial enrollment goal of 100 teens in its first year. This is a space built not just to attract teens, but to empower them for life after graduation.

A Space Designed for Teen Growth

Everything about the new location was crafted intentionally with feedback from the teens themselves. Spread over two floors, the building includes:

·       Three multipurpose classrooms, allowing for flexible lessons on everything from healthcare to business fundamentals, along with recreational space for esports and other activities

·       A workspace and garage, dedicated to hands-on training in the trades and other career paths

·       Two conference rooms and two private offices for mentorship, advising and career prep

·       A large outdoor patio, designed for meals, peer interaction and outdoor programming

·       Administrative offices on the second floor, bringing our leadership team closer to the programming that fuels our mission

The new Youth Workforce Development Center is vibrant, bright and intentionally modern, creating a feel similar to that of a college student union. Natural light, contemporary design and comfortable amenities like a fridge and microwave all work together to help teens feel at home. It’s a place that values them as young adults and helps them begin seeing their futures clearly.

The Center will also be well-staffed. Two full-time professionals, supported by a team of part-time workers will give the guidance and attention necessary to make programming work for the teens in attendance.

Why Teens? Why Now?

Keeping teens engaged has always been a challenge. As students grow older, their responsibilities increase. Sports, part-time jobs or lack of interest often lead to a steep decline in participation, especially during the critical years of high school.

When the pandemic hit, it gave our team time to reflect and reimagine what we could do better. We launched surveys of teens, caregivers and staff. What we heard was clear. Without a separate space from the younger students, teens didn’t feel like the Clubs were built for them. They needed their own space. They wanted help with skills like learning to write a resume, apply for college or fill out a FAFSA application. They were eager to explore some of the career options available to them but didn’t know where to start.

That’s when our team decided to build something entirely new.

Leadership That Knows the Mission

The visionary behind this new facility is Britton Martin, Vice President of Workforce Development. A 20-year BGCGC veteran, Britton started his career as a physical education coordinator and rose through the ranks, always with a focus on teen engagement. His passion was solidified when a former Club member he once mentored shared that he was experiencing homelessness and struggling with addiction.

“That conversation rocked me,” said Britton. “I had to ask myself if we really prepared him for life? And if not, what could we do better?”

Britton’s response was to double down on teen programming. He worked with CEO Bill Bresser to create a role focused entirely on workforce development. Britton believes deeply in providing teens with exposure, options and follow-through. Not just telling students they can succeed, but walking beside them until they do.

Programming That Builds Confidence

The Youth Workforce Development Center won’t just offer job training. It will teach the soft skills that employers say are missing most, including communication, punctuality, resilience and adaptability. Teens will learn how to conduct themselves in interviews, navigate social situations in new environments and even how to order food at a sit-down restaurant.

Hands-on experiences will be key. From shadowing professionals in various industries to attending off-site programs around the city, our teens will be introduced to people and opportunities they may have never encountered before. Representation matters, and we’ll bring in leaders from all walks of life who share their stories and reflect our kids’ backgrounds.

Building a Plan and a Future

Our mission is that every teen has a plan for their life beyond high school. That might mean college, but it could also mean skilled trades, the military or starting a business. What matters most is that each teen walks out of the Youth Workforce Development Center with a path they can see, believe in and follow.

By pairing intentional programming with consistent mentorship and positive exposure, we’re changing the narrative for teens across Greater Cincinnati. We’re not just helping them graduate high school, we’re setting them up for life.

Part of “A New Generation”

The Youth Workforce Development Center is a signature project of A New Generation, BGCGC’s bold $50 million capital campaign to reimagine what youth services can look like. From new buildings to expanded staff and modernized programs, the campaign is investing in facilities and futures.

But we can’t do it alone.

Your support will help us finish this new teen center strong, recruit and retain talented staff, and provide life-changing opportunities for Cincinnati teens for generations to come.

Support the Future Today

Help us build something greater. Donate to A New Generation and empower the next generation of leaders, creators and change-makers. Visit bgcgc.org/capitalcampaign to give today.