Navigating Pathways: Preparing for Your Future Career & Education

As July rolls on, many of you are probably starting to think beyond summer fun and towards what comes next. Whether it's heading back to school, planning for post-secondary education, or exploring career pathways, ALL IN FOR YOUTH wants to help Black youth in Alberta confidently navigate their futures.

The world of work and higher education can seem daunting, but with the right preparation and resources, you can unlock incredible opportunities. This week, let's focus on how you can start building your roadmap.

For Post-Secondary Education:

• Research is Key: Explore different programs, universities, and colleges that align with your interests. Don't limit yourself to what's familiar.

• Scholarships & Bursaries: Start looking now! Many scholarships for youth are available, specifically for Black students. Websites like ScholarshipsCanada.com or universities' own financial aid pages are great starting points. ALL IN FOR YOUTH can also guide you to resources.

• Application Prep: Understand deadlines, required essays, and reference letters. Give yourself ample time!

For Career Exploration & Readiness:

• Identify Your Passions & Strengths: What do you genuinely enjoy? What are you good at? These are strong indicators of potential career fits.

• Informational Interviews: Reach out to people working in fields that interest you. Ask them about their day-to-day, their challenges, and how they got started. This is a form of mentorship that can provide invaluable insights.

• Skill Building: Remember those skills we talked about? Whether it's coding, digital marketing, or effective communication, continually developing your abilities will make you more attractive to employers. ALL IN FOR YOUTH offers pathways for this.

• Resume & Interview Skills: Start drafting a basic resume and practice interview questions. Confidence comes from preparation!

ALL IN FOR YOUTH, through ZCUSA, is committed to equipping Black youth with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about their future careers and education. Your journey is unique, and having a clear path—or at least knowing how to find one—is empowering.

Don't wait until the last minute. Use the rest of your summer to take intentional steps towards the future you envision.