Genesys Works

Genesys Works is on a mission to empower high school students from underserved communities with the support, training, and paid internship opportunities that will help them find and grow into roles that will create rewarding careers.

“Millions of students lack access to quality education and career services,” Jeffrey Artis, President and CEO of Genesys Works, explains. “We like to say that talent may be distributed equally, but opportunity is not. By partnering with companies and school systems, we can provide opportunities that can be transformational for young people.”

The program includes eight weeks of technical and professional skills training, a paid year-long corporate internship, college, and career coaching, and alumni support post-high school graduation. The goal is to better prepare rising high school seniors from underserved communities to enter the workforce and help them secure a lifetime of economic self-sufficiency, ultimately turning career aspirations into career realities for people with little to no access to traditional business networks.

“We’ve found that one-year internships with a corporation allow our participants to expand their view of what's possible and what they should think about doing,” Artis explains. “Young people can be limited in their goals because they're limited in their visibility to what's possible.”

With funding from Comic Relief US, Genesys Works has expanded its operations, reached more students, and introduced the programming into new communities across the United States.

Meet Geraldo, a future Cyber Security Expert

Geraldo is a high school senior whose goal is to use the skills he’s building at Genesys Works to pursue a career in cyber security. Geraldo will be the first member of his extended family to attend college, and he wants to establish a “foundation” upon which future generations can stand as they imagine where (not if) they’ll go to college.

Genesys Works hasn’t just unlocked the skills and connections Geraldo needs to turn his dreams into realities – it’s given him the confidence he needs to believe in himself.

“I used to be very shy and introverted, but Genesys Works gave me the courage to take that leap and open myself up even more,” he told us. “Now, I can have stress-free conversations about my future without worrying about being judged.”

Meet Chinoyenim, a future Global Health Physician

Chinoyenim is a high school senior who dreams of becoming a global health physician, so she can combine her love of travel with her passion for helping others.

“If I’m going somewhere or visiting someplace new, I want to be able to positively impact the lives of the people that are there.”

Originally from Nigeria, 17-year-old Chinoyenim will be the first member of her family to attend college in the U.S. and she appreciates how the Genesys Works team has helped her navigate the often overwhelming admissions application process. “Genesys Works has provided me with a great support system,” she explained. “I’m usually an independent person and feel like I have to do everything on my own… but Genesys Works has shown me how vital a network can be.”

During her internship at a Houston hospital, Chinoyenim has done projects for the finance and administration departments as well as the patient relations team. The position was secured through Genesys Works.

“I believe everyone has a purpose in life, but not everyone is equipped to carry out that purpose,” Chinoyenim says. “So when people have the ability or opportunity to do whatever it is they want to do, to me, that is a healthy future.”

By supporting Comic Relief US, you’re helping to give students the tools they need to reach for the futures that they deserve. Your generosity powers organizations like Genesys Works that are dedicated to ensuring young graduates from all communities and backgrounds are poised to succeed in whatever fields they choose to pursue.

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