Y.E.A.R.N. (Youth Empowerment And Resource Network)

Expose. Explore. Experience.

Y.E.A.R.N. serves youth ages 14-24 who are employment-ready or near-ready. This is Columbia Supreme's career and employment pathway program for youth, grounded in real-world exposure and experiences. Our youth test early employment and entrepreneurial ideas, and they engage in hands-on worksite exploration rather than classroom-only learning and assessments. Young people create individualized pathways that reflect their age and readiness, progressing from exploration to placement, employment, or clear next steps toward the future they design.

Program Components

Career interest and strength inventory at intake

Readiness checklist

Department or business shadowing

Classroom sessions

Mentorship from supervisors/business owners

YEARN Certification of Career Readiness

Documented pathway plan

Assessments and Curriculum

Career readiness assessments

Pre and post outcome measurement

Support Services

Transportation to sites

Heavenly Legacy Scholarship Fund covers transportation, supplies, emergency access needs, other barriers

Classroom/meeting space

Meal support during full-day sessions

Barrier reduction fund for unmet needs

Credentials & What Youth Earn

The YEARN Certification of Career Readiness is awarded to youth who successfully complete the core Y.E.A.R.N. program phases: career interest inventory, readiness checklist, worksite shadowing across multiple fields, classroom sessions, mentorship, and all assessments—culminating in a finalized career path plan.

What It Verifies

This certification confirms participants have:

Tested different careers through hands-on shadowing and exploration

Passed pre- and post-assessments measuring growth in job readiness skills

Developed a personalized career path plan aligned with their strengths, interests, and readiness level

Final Program Phase

After earning certification, youth transition to direct employment or placement in a field matching their career path plan—entry-level positions designed with clear opportunities for upward mobility and long-term growth.

Target Outcomes

90% of participants meet 90% attendance standard

90% leave with documented pathway plan or next summer plan

[X of 5] participants receive YEARN Certification

85-90% follow-through from pathway plan to follow-up summer/afterschool, actual enrollment, hire, credentialing