Students introduced to professional environments

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Family Youth Center, located in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, is committed to creating opportunities that prepare youth not only for academic success but also for life and work beyond the classroom. The “Terrace Kidz Marketing Project” was created with the goal to provide a career-readiness experience that introduces youth to real professional environments, expectations and responsibilities.

A representative of the youth center explained, “This is not a simulated workplace experience. It is a genuine collaboration with real outcomes, where youth are entrusted with meaningful roles in an active marketing campaign supporting Terrace Kidz — a resale children’s clothing store. Through this partnership, participants gained hands-on experience in content creation, social media marketing, event promotion, video storytelling, digital media and community outreach.”

The project gave participants valuable insight into how organizations operate, including planning cycles, deadlines, communication systems, creative development and public-facing messaging. These foundational skills translate directly into future employment, internships and leadership opportunities.

One of the youth impacted by the project was Alizee, who emerged as a role model among her peers. She consistently displayed professionalism, preparedness and a strong desire to learn. Her reliability and enthusiasm made significant contributions to content creation and other marketing initiatives.

The project also supported community events, including the Girl Scouts Mother’s Day Event and the Pop-Up Beaded Jewelry Bar. The interns’ creativity, promotional efforts and hands-on support helped make these events successful. Beyond the marketing experience, the project allowed participants to see firsthand the positive impact their work had on the community.

The Salesian Family Youth Center believes workforce development begins long before the first job application. It starts when youth are given responsibility, trusted with meaningful work, and supported as they grow in confidence and ability. The Terrace Kidz Marketing Project brings that vision to life by creating pathways that empower youth to see themselves as capable and confident contributors in professional environments.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – United States – Terrace Kidz Marketing Project: Building Real-World Career Pathways for Young People

Salesian Family Youth Center

Salesian Missions