Intervention Tracks & Activities
We have designed six "alternative trajectory tracks" to provide youth with meaningful pathways to personal and career development. Each track is a comprehensive program that spans at least one year, offering a continuum of activities that introduce participating youth to specific career pathways. These tracks are designed to equip youth with the necessary skills, knowledge, and support to pursue these careers successfully.
TRACK 1: VIDEO GAME DESIGNER
The Video Game Designer intervention track will include an introduction to video game design, guiding participants through the creation of a game concept. Youth will learn to select and work with a programming language and a game engine, progressing to develop and test a prototype. The track also involves final product testing, a virtual component, and a community demo where participants showcase their developed games. Field trips and guest presentations from industry experts will further enhance their understanding and experience in the video game design field.
TRACK 2: ENTERTAINMENT CONTENT DEVELOPER
The Entertainment Content Developer intervention track will include an introduction to content development, covering various types of content such as video, music, graphics, and social media. Participants will learn to develop content concepts, master video techniques and editing, explore music writing and production, and understand graphic design elements. The track also includes creating and testing prototypes, final product testing, and community demos of the content. Field trips and guest presentations from industry experts will provide valuable insights and guidance as youth navigate the entertainment content development industry.
TRACK 3: FASHION/BEAUTY INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL
The Fashion and Beauty Industry Professional intervention track offers participants an introduction to various career options within the fashion and beauty sectors. This track covers essential topics, including fashion and design concepts, clothing design techniques, and an introduction to barbering, cosmetology, skincare, and jewelry design and production. Participants will also have the opportunity to showcase their work through community demonstrations of beauty products and activities. Field trips and guest presentations by industry experts will provide valuable guidance and insights as youth explore the fashion and beauty industry.
TRACK 4: CONSTRUCTION AND SKILLED TECHNICIAN
The Construction and Skilled Technician intervention track introduces participants to the construction field, covering a broad range of topics such as Flooring 101, OSHA30, CPR, framing, drywall, and basic plumbing, painting, electrical work, and HVAC. Participants will develop painting techniques and artistic expression while learning essential safety practices and tool use. The track also offers hands-on training in framing, carpentry, and infrastructure basics like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Community demos provide an opportunity to showcase their skills, while field trips and guest presentations from industry experts offer valuable guidance and insights into the construction and skilled trades.
TRACK 5: CULINARY ARTS/COMMUNITY CHEF
The Culinary Arts/Community Chef intervention track introduces participants to a range of opportunities within the culinary industry. Youth will learn about customer service and presentation concepts, conduct research on cultural food concepts, and gain knowledge in food safety, including cooking temperatures, storage methods, and sanitation. The track also emphasizes kitchen organization (Mise en Place), familiarizes participants with kitchen terminology and roles, and develops applied skills such as balanced menu planning, nutrition, and various cooking methods. Field trips and guest presentations by industry experts will provide essential guidance and insights as participants explore careers in the culinary arts.
TRACK 6: SPORTS INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL
The Sports Industry Professional intervention track offers participants an introduction to various career options within the sports industry. Youth will explore the business aspects of sports, learn sport program development techniques, and gain skills in coaching and motivational speaking. The track also covers sports administration and introduces concepts related to personal training and fitness. Field trips and guest presentations from industry experts will provide valuable guidance and insights as participants pursue careers in the sports industry.
All tracks include:
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Why are we doing the activities on this track? Reflections on the role of alternative trajectories
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Team/Cohort Building
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Marketing Skills and Product Marketing
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Business Skills
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Social Entrepreneurship
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Passion-Skills-Impact Assessment
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Trauma Processing
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Money Management
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Self-Development Mentoring
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Conflict Resolution Skill Building
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Internships and/or Job Shadowing
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Political Advocacy Component
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Community Building & Advocacy