World Youth Skills Day (July 15) promotes youth learning skills for employment and entrepreneurship around the globe. To honor this day, we’re spotlighting organizations doing powerful work to equip young people with the tools they need to build strong futures. From job readiness and healthy relationships to parenting and financial literacy, these five Missouri programs help youth gain the real-world skills that are essential for adulthood.

Annie Malone Economic Mobility Program

In St. Louis, Annie Malone Children & Family Services offers an innovative Economic Mobility Program (EMP) for boys ages 16 to 21 “with the desire to level up economically, academically and mentally.” EMP provides youth with educational training, job training, mentorship, mental health resources, and legal assistance. One hundred percent of EMP graduates also earned their high school degrees. “We’re proud to invest in the next generation of American tradespeople — and the future of our community,” Annie Malone said in a Facebook post. “Through our Economic Mobility Program, at-risk youth are learning hands-on skills that open doors: from painting, drywall, and construction to automotive essentials like oil changes, tire rotations and assembly line work. These young scholars are building confidence, independence, and pride in American craftsmanship — and we’re honored to walk alongside them on their journey.” EMP offers day programming from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 24-hour overnight programming Sunday through Friday (only available for youth 16-18). EMP also involves the youth’s family throughout the program. 

Cornerstones of Care: Build Trybe 

Cornerstones of Care’s vocational program Build Trybe provides opportunities for growth and community impact. Build Trybe works with youth in foster care, unhoused youth and under-resourced youth to build skills in the following areas:

Through Seed to Plate, youth learn how to plant and nourish fruits and vegetables in the garden and greenhouse. Then, they harvest the fruits and vegetables to make meals in the cafeteria, following the growing process from seeds to real meals on their plates. It doesn’t stop there, as they also learn to compost, gaining full-circle food system knowledge.

Building Trades is a hands-on program for youth 17 and older that teaches welding, woodworking, construction and finish work. Students gain professional development and apply these skills to college or local jobs. In one past project, youth made custom-engraved charcuterie boards for local Kansas City businesses.

Conservation Landscaping teaches youth to identify native plants, trees and insects, track wildlife, and work with partners like the Missouri Department of Conservation and community gardens. Graduates earn certifications like OSHA and safety training, opening doors to landscaping and conservation roles. 

Synergy Services’ Life Skills 

Synergy Services empowers youth with the tools they need to thrive as they transition into adulthood. Youth gain practical skills for everyday life, confidence and independence through dynamic, hands-on classes. “Focusing on life skills with youth is an integral part of our programs at Synergy. We want the youth to feel seen, prepared, and invested in as they transition into adulthood,” Synergy Vice President of Youth Services Allison Hilton said.  

Through the Casey Life Skills Toolkit, youth develop essential life skills including daily living and self care, money management and budgeting, healthy relationships, job readiness, study habits, digital literacy and navigating public systems. 

Nurturing Parenting offers 59 individual lessons, which includes education about core parenting skills, health and wellness, healthy relationships, consent and pregnancy prevention. 

Relationship Smarts and Love Notes is designed to guide teens on how to make wise decisions regarding dating, relationships, intimacy and more. They learn to recognize unhealthy patterns early, build self-awareness and communication skills, and navigate emotions, boundaries and long-term goals.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Centers 

CTE centers provide specialized training in high-demand fields, such as agriculture, business, health science, communications and skilled technical sciences. As of 2023, there were more than 50 CTE programs across the state, including the following robust programs. 

Hart Career Center in Mexico, Missouri, serves students from nine area schools, offering programs in technical and service areas. 

OTC Career Center in Springfield, Missouri, allows students to earn college credit and industry certifications while still in high school. 

Cape Girardeau Career & Technology Center offers programs in various fields and helps students connect with local employers. 

Jefferson City’s Nichols Career Center serves students in the mid-Missouri area, focusing on developing marketable skills. 

Registered Youth Apprenticeship

Missouri’s Registered Youth Apprenticeship (RYA) program is a structured, earn-and-learn career pathway that connects high school students with employers in high-demand industries. The program integrates rigorous classroom instruction with paid, on-the-job training, allowing students to gain industry-recognized credentials, college credit and real-world experience while still in high school.

For more information contact Linda Stinson, Program Manager of Missouri Career Pathways, at linda.stinson@dese.mo.gov.

Blog written by Brianna Bowman and Charlotte Renner