The Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN), together with the City of Philadelphia Office of Children and Families and Philadelphia Works, launched expanded E3 services on October 1 to youth and young adults in Philadelphia seeking supports toward the next steps in their career E3 services are now offered in more locations and provide more services for youth, aiming to be a greater resource to those with the greatest need for support.
E3 services offer customized education, employment and empowerment services to 16-24-year-olds in Philadelphia. E3 also functions as an access point for re-engagement services in Philadelphia, helping young people finish high school or earn an equivalent secondary credential.
E3 services are provided by partner organizations throughout Philadelphia, including:
- Congreso de Latinos Unidos, serving North Philadelphia
- Eckerd Connects, serving West Philadelphia
- JEVS Human Services, offering services throughout Philadelphia
- Public Health Management Corporation, offering services throughout Philadelphia
- Temple University, serving North Philadelphia
These services not only offer support toward attaining a high school diploma, but they also help young people plan for their future by providing career preparation, work experience and connections to advanced training and supportive services. National data on unemployment indicates those 16-24 are the most vulnerable to the economic crisis we are facing related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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E3 has been built from 15 years of sustainability with its foundation in the E3 Power Centers, a neighborhood-based approach. The redesigned model will provide a broader array of services to provide personalized support to Philadelphia’s young people as they progress to the next step along their career path. The shift to a service-based approach with a broader network of partners expands the reach of E3 services to young people throughout Philadelphia. It is the hope that with this change, young people will be offered more variety in both the individualized supports needed and locations throughout the city.
“E3 services are needed now more than ever to help Philadelphia’s young people re-engage in their education and planning for careers. The re-imagined E3 services will be able to provide more services in more locations throughout Philadelphia, providing critical support to youth,” said Cynthia Figueroa, Deputy Mayor, Office of Children and Families.
“Expanding services that lead our youth and young adults to a viable career pathway is imperative to our City’s future. They deserve access to every available resource our workforce system has to offer them. When we invest in more opportunities for them, we not only brighten their future, we brighten Philadelphia’s future,” said H. Patrick Clancy, president and CEO at Philadelphia Works.
“We are excited to offer this new opportunity to young people in Philadelphia, especially now,” said Chekemma Fulmore-Townsend, president and CEO of PYN. “E3 will help young people realize their full potential and talent, which will be critical as Philadelphia works toward economic recovery and prosperity.”
By: Agencies