Paterson Youth Opportunity Guarantee
Every participating young person should be connected to an identifiable pathway into education, employment, training, entrepreneurship, recreation or civic leadership.
Learn. Earn. Build. Create. Lead.
The guarantee is an opportunity pathway—not a promise of a government job.
Learn
Tutoring, literacy, GED support, college preparation, financial literacy and academic navigation.
Earn
Summer jobs, internships, paid work experience and employer-linked placement.
Build
Trades, apprenticeships, credentials and technical skill pathways.
Create
Entrepreneurship, youth vendor opportunities, business challenges and mentorship.
Lead
Youth government, neighborhood projects, civic learning and participation in community budgeting.
Track outcomes beyond enrollment
Youth enrolled • credentials completed • internships • job placements • business launches • mentor matches • college/trade placements • recreation participation • youth-led projects.
Do not design youth policy without youth
Youth representatives should participate in Ward Action Compacts, People’s Budget proposal development and public-space/recreation audits.