At LAHC, youth development means more than preparing young people for the workforce—it means nurturing confident, compassionate leaders ready to shape their communities.
This fall, the organization’s Behavioral Health and Workforce Development teams are working hand in hand to equip youth with vital life skills—from mental health awareness to financial literacy—through programs such as:
- Rising Leaders
- Youth Leadership Bridge to College Program (YLBTCP)
Together, these efforts are building a generation of changemakers who are not only career-ready but also community-minded, resilient, and self-aware.
The Heart of Leadership: LAHC’s Rising Leaders
The Rising Leaders Youth Engagement Initiative is one of LAHC’s most impactful programs, blending leadership development, mental health education, and civic engagement.
This fall, participants have the opportunity to take part in hands-on programs such as:
- Youth Leadership Bridge to College, focused on college readiness and confidence-building;
- Teen Cooking Series, promoting healthy habits and teamwork; and
- ACT Youth Action Committee meetings, empowering teens to advocate for substance use prevention and positive change.
Each program builds real-world skills while fostering empathy, communication, and purpose—key qualities for lifelong success.
Activities include the Fall Social on Oct. 23, giving youth and families a chance to connect and celebrate progress, as well as the Wellness Corner Monthly Challenge, which encourages positive habits through friendly competition and community motivation.
Learn more about LAHC’s Education & Workforce Development programs.
Preparing for Tomorrow: Workforce Development in Action
Through its Education and Workforce Development Department, LAHC continues to provide pathways to personal and professional growth.
This fall’s highlights include:
- Career Readiness and Employability Classes, held both in-person and virtually, prepare participants to enter the workforce with confidence.
- Digital Literacy courses, offered across three levels at LAHC headquarters, help students and job seekers strengthen essential tech skills.
- Financial Literacy programs, including Levels 1 and 2 for foundational knowledge and an advanced Level 3 course now accepting students.
- Youth Financial Literacy series, tailored specifically for high school students learning to manage money and plan for the future.
By combining these offerings with wraparound mental health and behavioral health support, LAHC ensures that every learner has the resources and resilience to thrive.
Explore how LAHC’s Holistic Behavioral Health Services integrate emotional well-being with education and career readiness.
Empowering Minds: Mental Health and Emotional Resilience
Strong leaders begin with self-awareness—and LAHC’s behavioral health initiatives help young people understand the importance of mental and emotional balance.
This fall, the team launched school-based programs such as:
- Nurture and Play, a parent-child group fostering emotional connection;
- Pathways and Sparks, which teach coping skills, communication, and mindfulness in middle school classrooms; and
- Thrive & Bloom, a wellness-focused series at local elementary schools emphasizing positivity and self-care.
In partnership with local educators and community organizations, LAHC’s mental health programs empower youth to talk about emotions, ask for help when needed, and support peers with empathy.
These lessons go hand in hand with leadership and workforce training—preparing students not only to succeed in their careers but also to manage stress, build healthy relationships, and lead with compassion.
Why Early Education Matters
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), early education and intervention in youth mental health can build resilience, improve school outcomes, and prevent long-term challenges.
LAHC’s programs put these principles into action—offering education, connection, and care right where students need it most.
Financial Literacy: Building the Foundation for Independence
For many participants, LAHC’s Financial Literacy curriculum provides the first real opportunity to learn how to budget, save, and invest.
Through interactive sessions, students explore topics such as credit, debt management, and goal-setting—skills that help them build long-term stability and confidence.
This kind of empowerment is what LAHC aims to achieve: teaching practical skills that spark lasting change in both individuals and households.
Mentorship and Community Connection
Behind every successful young leader is a network of mentors and role models. LAHC’s programs connect youth with professionals, educators, and peers who inspire confidence and accountability.
Participants gain exposure to real-world opportunities for civic engagement and advocacy through programs, such as:
- Youth Mental Health First Aid training
- Circles of Hope mental health hubs
- Leadership events like Senator Cavanagh’s Youth Summit
By blending workforce development with behavioral health and mentorship, LAHC bridges the gap between education and empowerment—ensuring that every participant feels supported as they grow into the next generation of community leaders.
Community Partnerships: Building Pathways of Opportunity
Behind every successful youth program is a network of committed community partners who believe in the power of opportunity.
Across Wayne County, LAHC works closely with schools, libraries, and local organizations to ensure that students and young professionals have access to resources that nurture both skill and character.
Recent collaborations include:
- Wayne County Health Collaborative and Methodist Children’s Home Society, supporting outreach events and therapeutic workshops.
- Dearborn Public Schools hosts workforce development programs and behavioral health series that connect students with practical skills and emotional support.
- ACCESS, SEMCA, and local employers, who help participants explore real career pathways through mentoring, resource fairs, and resume coaching.
These partnerships are key to LAHC’s model of community-integrated education—where academic learning, job readiness, and wellness come together under one umbrella of support.
By uniting local agencies, educators, and families, LAHC ensures that youth workforce development programs in Wayne County are not just training grounds, but springboards for lifelong growth.
A Vision for the Future
As LAHC looks ahead, its mission remains clear: to prepare youth for success in every aspect of life—professionally, emotionally, and socially.
By equipping students with mental wellness tools, career training, and financial knowledge, LAHC is investing in the long-term health of Wayne County’s communities.
Because when young people rise, entire communities rise with them.
Join Us: To learn more about LAHC’s youth and workforce development programs, visit LAHC.org or explore Education & Workforce Development.
FAQ: Youth Workforce Development Programs in Wayne County
What are youth workforce development programs?
Youth workforce development programs prepare teens and young adults with the skills they need to succeed in jobs, college, and life.
At LAHC, these programs combine career readiness, leadership training, digital literacy, and mental health support to build well-rounded, resilient future professionals.
Who can join LAHC’s youth workforce programs?
These programs are designed for Wayne County students and young adults. Priority is given to participants from underserved communities in areas like Dearborn, Inkster, and Detroit.
Some programs—like Youth Financial Literacy—are tailored specifically for high schoolers. Contact LAHC at 313-846-8480 to confirm eligibility.
What does LAHC’s workforce development training include?
Participants gain access to:
- Job readiness classes (resume building, interview prep)
- Digital literacy courses (basic to advanced tech skills)
- Financial literacy workshops (budgeting, saving, investing)
- Youth leadership programs (public speaking, peer mentorship)
- Mental health education (coping skills, confidence-building)
All sessions are designed to support academic, emotional, and professional growth.
Where are programs offered?
Programs take place at LAHC headquarters and in partnership with:
- Local high schools and libraries
- Community centers across Wayne County
- Online platforms (for hybrid or remote options)
Are LAHC’s workforce development programs free?
Yes. LAHC’s youth development programs are free to participants, thanks to public and private funding. Some sessions may include materials, meals, or stipends depending on the program.
How can I apply or get involved?
- Call LAHC at 313-846-8480
- Visit lahc.org to view open applications
- Ask your school counselor if LAHC partners with your school
- Follow LAHC on Facebook