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GWEC YLC - Future Millionaires Lab: High-Paying Careers Youth Internship Program

Avatar:  GWEC YLC - Legacy GWEC YLC - Legacy
Idea Submission for The People's Money:
The Future Millionaires Lab is a paid internship and mentorship program that introduces high school youth (ages 14–21) to high-paying, future-ready careers in technology, finance, real estate, health sciences, digital design, and skilled trades. The program blends hands-on training, job-shadowing, and entrepreneurial thinking to help youth build competitive skills and earn real-world experience. In our community, students often learn about careers after graduation. The Future Millionaires Lab flips this narrative by giving teens direct access to industries where salaries start high and career growth is limitless. We aim to build a pipeline of young innovators, creators, and leaders who can enter high-income fields—even if they don’t follow a traditional college path. The Future Millionaires Lab focuses on careers with strong incomes and long-term stability: 1. Technology & Innovation Software Engineering Cybersecurity AI & Robotics Digital Media and Content Creation UX/UI Design 2. Finance & Business Financial Planning Real Estate Investment Venture Capital & Entrepreneurship Accounting & Business Operations Stock Market Fundamentals 3. Health & Medical Technology Medical Tech Assistant Diagnostics & Lab Support Health Informatics Sports & Wellness Tech 4. Skilled High-Paying Trades (Fields that require certifications, not college degrees) Electrician HVAC Technician Elevator Mechanic Plumber Carpenter Digital Fabrication / Makerspace Technology Program Must: A. Paid Internships Youth are placed with employers across NYC in high-paying sectors. Interns complete 80–120 paid hours depending on funding. B. Career Accelerators (Weekly Labs) Hands-on workshops, such as: “Tech in Real Life: Build an App in 2 Hours” “Financial Freedom for Teens: Crypto, Stocks & Real Estate 101” “Trade Skills Simulation Lab” “Branding Yourself as a Young Professional” C. Mentorship Circles Industry mentors will guide students in: Career mapping Professional communication Time management & discipline Networking D. Certification Opportunities Depending on funding and partners: OSHA-10 Cybersecurity Intro Certificate Digital Media Tools (Canva, Adobe) CPR/First Aid E. Innovation Challenge At the end of the program, students present a “Million-Dollar Idea Pitch” where they solve a real-world problem using the skills they learned. Winners receive a small grant or stipend to continue their project.
What is the problem your idea aims to address?
Many youth in Washington Heights, Inwood, and the Bronx do not have access to networks or exposure to high-paying careers. Students often rely on low-wage part-time work and miss out on opportunities that can reshape their financial future. This program will: Expand youth access to high-income career paths Increase intergenerational wealth potential Build confidence through professional mentorship Connect teens with real employers and real internships Empower students with career literacy before graduation
Which groups does your idea focus on? Select all that apply
Youth (under 24)
Public Housing Residents
Justice Impacted People
People with Disabilities
Limited English Speakers
Immigrants / Migrants
LGBTQIA+ People
Unhoused People
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