Challenges for effective work in the social sector are similar to those found everywhere else: money. Financial assets are essential to generate meaningful impact, especially in communities that lack overall abundance of resources. I was, then, beyond excited to find Genesys Works’ win-win model — by supporting others, we can create a ripple effect.

“Working as a fellow at Genesys Works has allowed me to observe first hand that barriers to success can be overcome by leveraging existing resources through partnerships, effective business models, and, most importantly, the desire to create meaningful impact.”

Genesys Works supports career and educational pathways for high school students in underserved communities by providing training, internships and resources. In other words, we offer young professionals the opportunity to reach their full potential. Despite their breadth of talents and capabilities, children in underserved communities are often neglected the ability to secure a better future for themselves and their families. In turn, these students have to overcome additional barriers in their path to success. Not only does this discourage their educational and career goals, but it also imposes challenges that transcend the individual level. Long-term, it makes economic mobility difficult for the entire community and fortifies existing obstacles for equality and sustainability.

However, underserved communities are not the only ones affected. Barriers for low-income students also impacts corporations and economic development at a national level. Currently, for example, many organizations are faced with staffing challenges. With a strong need for new talent, Genesys Works seeks to fill these critical talent gaps.

At Genesys Works we partner students with companies, offer career opportunities to young professionals from underserved communities, and help organizations continue to operate and grow. In doing so, we promote local economic development while advancing solutions for barriers in the path towards equality. We are unbeatable.

During my time at Genesys Works, I have observed the tangible impacts we are able to create through our work. We have been in operation for 20 years now, and the number of students we help continues to grow. Now, with offices in major cities like New York, San Francisco and Chicago, we have expanded our outreach to equip students with the opportunity and resources they need to reach their full potential. Working as a fellow at Genesys Works has allowed me to observe first hand that barriers to success can be overcome by leveraging existing resources through partnerships, effective business models, and, most importantly, the desire to create meaningful impact.