What is HYPE?
HYPE, or Helping Youth Prepare for Employment is a collaboration of three programs in the greater Wichita area and consists of the Youth Employment Project, the Way to Work program, and the Job Prep program.
Our Story
The Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas (Youth Employment Project), the City of Wichita (Way to Work), and Greater Wichita YMCA (Job Prep) each bring different strengths to the goal of getting young job seekers work experiences that don’t conflict with their schooling. It was decided that these entities would combine their efforts to further the objective of preparing our future workforce.
Meet the Team
Job Prep, Way to Work, and YEP all make up HYPE
Job Prep – Greater Wichita YMCA
The Greater YMCA Job Prep program is dedicated to helping teenagers ages 15 to 17 years old. Students work with YMCA Job Coaches learning valuable skills for summer employment and explore future careers. While participating in the program, students will learn proper application completion, interviewing skills, and basic financial literacy, in addition to becoming CPR and First Aid certified, at no cost to families. Students who successfully complete the program will have the opportunity for summer employment in the Greater Wichita area.
Way to Work – City of Wichita
The Way to Work summer youth program equips young job seekers ages 14-17 with the resources necessary to gain employment. Time is spent in the classroom and on the work site. Enrollment is by invitation to Housing Authority families.
Youth Employment Project – Workforce Alliance
The Youth Employment Project serves Wichita and the six-county surrounding area. Teens must be at least age 16 to be placed in a summer internship, but younger job seekers can attend the workshops and job fairs. Camp HYPE is a weeklong career exploration experience for ages 14+. Participants are paid a stipend for completion of a camp.
Next Steps…
Interested in Camp HYPE or a Youth Employment Workshop?