For the second year in a row, The Boys & Girls Club of Harlem has launched its Pathway to Career Success program, giving local teens a chance to learn essential workforce skills at iconic Manhattan locations such as the New York Stock Exchange.

"Where I grew up, you don't normally get opportunities like this," said Louis Davis, an intern in the program.

The program offers unforgettable experiences for many Harlem natives, providing them with the chance to work in environments they might not otherwise encounter. Quamique Marcial, another intern, said, "I love it. At first, I had no idea what any of this was until I came on a trip with the Boys & Girls Club."

The Pathway to Career Success program partners with corporations like the veteran-owned broker dealer Roberts & Ryan to provide paid opportunities for underrepresented teens. These internships offer valuable mentorship and practical experience needed for the job market.

"What we’re trying to do is give our kids exposure to future options. Normally, our kids, marginalized kids, wouldn’t get this type of opportunity," said Sharon Joseph, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem.

This summer, the program will support 200 students training in various fields, from finance to hospitality. However, more than 100 students remain on waitlists. The program is also having funding challenges. Joseph explained, "Recently our funding was cut, and it puts our program in jeopardy, but I am determined to find the funding for it because I have exact number of kids we’re changing their lives, the impact of these opportunities and more importantly for corporations we’re helping them to see what social responsibility really looks like.”

"Everybody should be doing something like this. All of us got here because somebody helped us. It would be great if more corporations reached out to the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem for these kids," said Edward D’Alessandro, CEO of Roberts & Ryan.

Interns like Quamique Marcial are already seeing the impact of the program. "So this is where the buying and selling happen," he remarked, gaining insights into the financial world. After just a few weeks, these experiences are inspiring some interns to consider new career paths. Marcial shared, "I’m glad to have this information in my back pocket to help other people and inform them about it. I'm also really interested in pursuing a career in finance."

Louis Davis echoed this sentiment: "Things like this make you wonder and hope for more."