OUR MISSION

Youth Services at the DuPage County Workforce Development Division is the County’s lead agency for youth employment programs. We provide eligible young adults ages 17 to 24 with free career and employment services to help them start a career with a future.

Make your way here.

Get an internship.

Get funded to go to school.

Discover your passion.

Launch your career.

THE PROGRAM

Make Your Way (MyWAY)

You make your way. You select the path that is best for you.

GO TO SCHOOL

Funding for Training or School

Possible scholarship assistance

We pay up to $10,000 for you to get training or go to school, so you can get the skills you need to succeed.

Here are some examples of training programs:
  • Dental assistant
  • Information technology (CompTIA A+, Cisco Certified Network Associate, Web Technician)
  • Healthcare (Certified Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy, EKG Technician, Patient Care Technician)
  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  • Automotive Technology
  • And more!

PAID WORK EXPERIENCE

Internships

On-the-Job Training

Start your career in a high-demand occupation.

This pathway focuses on career exploration. You'll get paid while you learn about career options, and you may go on tours to see what the work environments are actually like. Then, you can land a paid internship at a local company. Once the internship is complete, participants receive job placement and follow-up services.

Two tracks, one outcome: Launching careers. 

Watch Now
See how the program helped these young adults

Two tracks, one outcome: Launching careers. 

 

Watch Now
See how the program helped these young adults

 

In just weeks, Marquel obtained his Commercial Driver's License (CDL) at the College of DuPage and quickly gained employment.

Dyana, a young mother, earned an associate degree in Biological and Physical Science from College of DuPage. She went on to obtain her bachelor's from Northern Illinois University and is now applying for a master’s program!

Cameron attended courses at Symbol Training Institute to become a machinist. With three certifications under his belt, he secured a job at Paragon Automation in no time.

Janelle earned College of DuPage's Respiratory Therapist certificate program and now earns more than double her retail wage. Janelle now works on the front lines as a Respiratory Care Practitioner at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights.

MAKE YOUR WAY TODAY

No matter which track you pursue, you receive:

Career Assistance

You’ll work one-on-one with a career counselor, to explore career options and find out what jobs are right for you, and the best way for you to get on track to success.

Resume Creation and Job Interview Training

To get a good job you need a good resume and strong interview skills - we help you with both!

All paths point to employment.

Permanent Job Placement Assistance

Upon completion, whether you chose the individual training or paid work experience track, we provide you with the support and assistance you need to get a permanent job.

Services for Young Adults with Disabilities

We can help you navigate your future by providing any of the above services, plus additional individualized supportive services.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Apply Now