The Youth Connection Career Academies (TYCCA)

We prepare youth and young adults for future success through career pathways, hands-on training, and real-world work experiences.

Pathways to Education and Employment

The Youth Connection Career Academies (TYCCA) is a program designed to expose, engage, and train metropolitan Detroit youth and young adults ages 14-24 for careers and continuing education. The Youth Connection Career Academies program provides youth and young adults an opportunity to understand the duties and tasks necessary for success in various careers through Career Pathways and Internships. These components include:

Where Workforce Readiness Meets Life Readiness

This experience provides a distinct advantage because participants will be guided to successfully master new job skills through job shadowing, volunteer, and community service to experience real world work conditions, such as policies, project deadlines, business attire and workplace etiquette. Students learn 21st Century skills necessary for today’s workforce including but not limited to flexibility and adaptability, leadership, time-management, the capacity to communicate, teamwork, collaboration, and creativity.

This program is a terrific way for individuals to understand the real world of careers and it encourages continuing education and positive behavior amongst youth while promoting civic commitment and giving back to the community. TYCCA provides a stable/positive support network, case management services, life skills groups, educational and tutoring services, community services and counseling referrals, if applicable.

Strengthening Futures Together

Our Workforce & Career Partners

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

TYCCA is partially funded by the Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. This program is designed to provide workforce development activities that increase employment, retention, and earnings of participants, and increase occupational skill attainment and as a result, improve the quality of the workforce, reduce welfare dependency, and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the nation. TYCCA will provide career (basic and individualized) services and training services to youth and young adult ages 14-24.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR)

This program is a summer youth employment for youth 16 to 19 years of age to learn about jobs related to the great outdoors and career opportunities with the Department of Natural resources. It is designed to assist youth and young adults through work skills education, resume building and interviewing. Youth and young adults will be provided with experience in outdoor adventures with hands-on activities, exhibits and simulators and learning how the MDNR manages state parks, forests, wildlife, and fish. TYCCA is partnered with MDNR to employ youth in natural resource-based work sites in Detroit.

Grow Detroit’s Youth Talent (GDYT)

TYCCA is partnered with Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) which is a citywide summer jobs program that trains and employs young adults between the ages of 14 and 24. Youth participants must be residents of the City of Detroit and be eligible to work in the United States. TYCCA and GDYT will provide career exploration that introduces young people to career opportunities through community service, vocational training experience, specific career pathway, team projects, and job shadowing.

I'm interested in Career Pathways

How do I know if I'm eligible?

There are several factors considered to determine if you’re eligible and if the program is a good fit for you. During the intake process, you will answer a series of questions and may have to provide documentation to determine your eligibility and suitability. Below are the minimum eligibility requirements.

Eligibility:

Be a US Citizen
Be a Detroit Resident
Be between the Ages of 14-24
Submit State ID, Driver’s License or School ID (High School Students Only)
Submit Birth Certificate & Social Security Card
Submit Proof of School Status (Report Card, Diploma/GED, etc.)
Submit Proof of Income (if applicable)
Parent/Guardian must provide consent (if under 18)
Register for Selective Service (if applicable)
Have a need for employment or educational assistance
Submit additional information as requested for eligibility and enrollment