Youth Opportunities Unlimited proudly announces its pivotal role in the 2024 Ohio High School Tech Internship (HSTI) program, where 218 students across Northeast Ohio gained valuable, real-world experience in tech-related fields. Nearly 1,000 students participated state-wide according to the Ohio Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation.  

As we celebrate Workforce Development Month, it reaffirms our commitment to equipping young people with the skills they need for successful careers in Ohio's growing tech industry. 

Through the HSTI program, Y.O.U. worked closely with local employers to provide hands-on internships for students, focusing on key areas such as software development, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and more. The program not only helped businesses meet their tech talent needs but also allowed students to explore career paths while still in high school. 

Owen V., a senior at Willoughby South High School, spent the summer interning at Mika Metal Fabricating in Willoughby. He is interested in pursuing either Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering, so the internship provided key skills and experience. 

“It’s helped me learn how manufacturing actually works which is super helpful as an engineer,” Owen said. He recommends other students to the program. “It made it really easy to find a place to work because, in terms of finding an internship in high school, it’s not exactly easy without a program like this.” 

Key Outcomes from Youth Opportunities Unlimited’s 2024 Program: 

• Y.O.U. served 218 students across multiple counties. 

• 146 students participated from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD), illustrating the program's strong focus on urban youth development. 

• 181 students were from Cuyahoga County, making a significant impact in one of Ohio’s largest counties. 

• Through partnerships with local employers, students gained tech skills and real-world experience that will shape their future careers. 

"We are incredibly proud of the impact we've made in preparing Ohio's young people for future success," said Craig Dorn, President and CEO at Youth Opportunities Unlimited. "By partnering with local businesses and providing these opportunities, we are helping to strengthen the workforce pipeline and ensure that students from the Northeast Ohio region are at the forefront of Ohio’s tech future."  

As Y.O.U. continues its work during Workforce Development Month, the organization remains committed to fostering economic mobility through career development and job readiness programs. By serving as an intermediary for the HSTI program, Y.O.U. is driving change by connecting Ohio’s young talent to valuable opportunities while helping businesses thrive. Over the entire summer, Y.O.U. provided jobs to over 1,700 youth, resulting in just over $3 million in wages earned, demonstrating the organization's significant impact on both young people and the local economy. 

Check out High School Tech Internship Program page for more details!