ServiceWorks Bootcamp Brings Project Management Skills to Young Adults in LA

Bringing together speakers from the White House, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Office on Workforce Development, the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, and the Los Angeles Trade and Technical College, a bootcamp hosted on Nov. 19 by ServiceWorks in Los Angeles focused on skills building and service for young adults ages 16 to 24. During a ServiceWorks bootcamp, participants gain skills – including project management competencies – that will strengthen their path to college and careers while helping resolve problems in their communities.

This event, which is part of Citi Foundation’s Pathways to Progress Initiative, is one of many ways that ServiceWorks’ founding partners, Points of Light, AmeriCorps, and Citi Foundation, are putting youth scholars on the path to success by offering leadership development, project management skills, mentorship, and the personal sense of empowerment that comes with performing volunteer service.

“The ServiceWorks bootcamp features workshops on skills that are particularly relevant as young people go into the workforce. Recently, we’ve been going deep on project management because it’s such a valuable and transferable life and professional skill,” said Georgia Gillette, senior vice president of programs, Points of Light.

The bootcamp, which drew more than 75 youth participants, promoted service as a solution to community problems. After the project management workshop, participants were invited to complete one of two service projects to help kick-off their volunteer efforts. A large group designed mini-murals with uplifting messages for their college-bound peers, to be displayed around Los Angeles at YouthSource community centers. Another subset of participants worked on preparing college information and research packets that will be made available to hundreds of peers who couldn’t attend the event.

“You can be a change agent, and shape a better future for all, through your compassion for others, commitment to excellence, and willingness to work and learn,” said Deputy Mayor Brenda Shockley.

Now equipped with the necessary tools for success, the participants in the event are not only better prepared to achieve their own goals, but also to improve their communities.