Program Summary:
Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA) is a community-based, local economic development organization which has engaged individuals and small businesses in community-building strategies for over 40 years. Our mission is to achieve economic justice for San Francisco’s low and moderate income Latino families through asset development. Four years ago, MEDA launched Plaza Adelante, a one-stop financial and asset development center. Plaza Adelante Tech Center (PATC) provides digital literacy training, employment training, job placement and career advancement opportunities. All trainings are provided in both Spanish and English. Plaza Adelante Tech Center helps families learn about free and low cost broadband and computer options, to ensure families are connected to the internet at home and can use the computer and internet for academic and economic success. In November, MEDA opened our Mission Neighborhood Access Point, a technology hub for families who don’t have access to the internet at home, and for low-income job seekers to learn new skills and search for jobs.
MEDA’s Young Adult WorkLink “Mission Techies” Academy Program is designed to ensure that disconnected Latino youth ages 18-24 obtain and retain living-wage, long-term employment and have access to opportunities for career growth. The program is evidence-based, and includes customized sector based training programs for technology careers (tech support) careers, as well as placement, retention and career ladder components. All of our participants receive assessment, career counseling, placement and retention services, and access to supportive services that remove barriers to employment. The long term goal of the program is to put youth on a path towards continuing adult education and careers in information technology (tech support) or jobs that require computer literacy.
Purpose:
Share your technology skills with an underserved Latino youth! Our mentors serve as adult role models and provide support and guidance as the youth experience new challenges and unfamiliar social environments. At times they may need someone to help them navigate their career path, advice on education and training, or just a friend to talk to.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Meet with your mentee at least once a month
- Provide encouragement around furthering their education and accessing additional training opportunities.
- Support them in exploring potential career paths and thinking strategically on how to get there
- Help to set up informational interviews, provide advice on resumes and interviewing, and help them research and prepare for internships, training programs, and jobs
- Report back to staff on participant’s progress.
- Maintain confidentiality of all client information.
Qualifications:
- Skilled with technology; coding, computer repair, web design.
- Experience or interest in working with disadvantaged youth
- Must be extremely reliable and able to follow through on commitments.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills with people from diverse cultures and life circumstances.
- Previous experience working with marginalized youth is appreciated.
- Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) are preferred but not required
Benefits
- Help make a substantial difference in the life of a young person and directly contribute to their success
- Opportunity to share your skills and knowledge with a youth who will benefit from your life experience and expertise
- Be engaged in the Mission community and give back to its residents
Time Commitment
- We ask for a minimum 6 month commitment from all mentors
- You must meet with your mentee at least once a month
For more information, please contact Lucia Obregon, Volunteer Services Manager: lobregon@medasf.org or (415) 282-3334 ext. 156.
