DeKalb Virtual Career Academy

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

The DeKalb Summer Employment Strategy is a collaborative effort between the DeKalb County CEO, Board of Commissioners, DeKalb County Schools, and WorkSource DeKalb (WSD). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the DeKalb Summer Youth Employment program operated in a virtual environment for the first time, and the program transformed into the inaugural “DeKalb Virtual Career Academy”. The purpose of the program became to “provide a virtual work experience for youth”. Of the 7,208 applicants, the Career Academy provided 850 chosen participants, aged 14-24, with enhanced guidance, support, and direction in a structured, virtual learning environment. By the end of the program, 59% (213 of 361) of the interns enrolled in credentialing courses received a credential in Healthcare, Business Technology, Digital Technology, Programming, or Information Technology. In the program, instructors implemented a mixture of teaching methods and specific academic support to guide the interns in achieving outcomes, such as cultivating soft skills through life skills training. Additionally, motivational speakers engaged, educated, and inspired the program participants. All interns received vocational training, and 213 interns earned a credential toward graduation to address critical academic milestones compromised by their disruptive school schedules due to the pandemic.