Ages 16–24 · Peoria, Illinois
Pathways To Colleges & Careers
Youth Employment & Career Development
Paid work experience, practical support, and connections to education and careers.
Build skills. Explore possibilities.
Pathways To Colleges & Careers is our youth employment initiative for ages 16–24. We serve at-risk and opportunity youth by pairing paid work experience with wraparound supports—addressing barriers and building the skills needed to secure and sustain long-term, career-track employment.
Through partnerships with local employers, training providers, and colleges, young people receive individualized case management, employment readiness training, and work-based learning placements aligned to high-demand industries. Our team focuses on the whole person—physical, emotional, social, and mental health needs—so participants can thrive at work and in life.
Work experience & career pathways
Program tracks include short-term and summer work experiences, long-term employment and youth apprenticeships, career development linked to industry credentials, and training opportunities with employer partners. Availability varies by cohort.
Who can participate
ART Inc serves Illinois residents ages 16–24 who face barriers to employment, including low income, academic challenges or truancy, justice or DCFS system involvement, disability, homelessness, single-parent households, prior suspensions or expulsions, and lack of work experience.
Support for your next step
Employment readiness
Job searches, interview preparation, resumes, applications, workplace professionalism, and Essential Employability Skills coaching. Illinois workNet Employment 101, Career Cluster Inventory, and on-the-job assessments help document growth.
Practical support
Transportation, childcare, work clothes and tools, and referrals to health, housing, and legal resources when available, together with social-emotional support.
Education & credentials
Tutoring, advising, testing and licensure fees, and industry-recognized credentials tied to local career clusters. Availability varies.
Career plans & case management
Individualized, goal-based plans and connections to education, apprenticeships, certifications, and unsubsidized employment in high-demand sectors.
Pathways calendar
Pathways-specific classes, deadlines, workshops, and participant dates will appear here. General ART Inc. events remain on the Events Calendar.
Talk with the Pathways team
Call us to learn more about participation and available opportunities.
Contact the Pathways Team