Job Search Ready: How Jóvenes Adelante is
Fueling the Innovative Model at John O’Connell High
At the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District, a powerful partnership is changing the trajectory for local youth. The Jóvenes Adelante program, led by the Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA) in partnership with John O’Connell High School, is more than just an initiative—it is a comprehensive bridge between the classroom and the professional world.
By providing financial literacy, career development, and paid internship opportunities, Jóvenes Adelante empowers students to see themselves not just as students, but as future professionals.
Supporting an Innovative Instructional Model
John O’Connell High School is recognized for its innovative instructional model, designed to prepare all students for college and the professional world. A cornerstone of this model is the use of specialized “pathways” that align learning with industry standards.
While O’Connell offers a variety of tracks—including a Health and Behavioral pathway—the Jóvenes Adelante program specifically supports and enhances the following three pathways:
- Building, Construction & Trades (BCT)
- Entrepreneurship & Culinary Arts (ECA)
- Public Service (PS)
By integrating work-based learning directly into the school-day curriculum, the program ensures that students aren’t just learning theory; they are gaining hands-on experience.
Real Growth, Real Results
The impact of Jovenes Adelante is growing rapidly. Last year, the program supported 124 students. This year, that number has climbed to 156 students, proving the increasing demand for high-quality career mentorship.
Our recent outcomes highlight the tangible progress our juniors and seniors are making:
Career plans completed (with Juniors)
Internship placements
Job Search Ready (resume, interview prep, job search skills)
Voices from the Field
The magic happens when local businesses open their doors. This year, students Angel and Art interned at MITHUN, a leading architecture firm. For Angel, the experience was transformative:
“It’s been a dream come true to always figure out what it’s like to be an architect, what it’s like to design buildings, and design the outside as well… One thing that I really have enjoyed about here is being able to work on projects and having everyone in the office come to us for ideas or just ask us about stuff. Being able to voice our opinions on projects has really made it better.”
Logan Kelley, Associate Principal at MITHUN, emphasizes that the benefits go both ways:
“If other firms or companies are considering the internship program, my advice would be ‘do it’ first of all. It adds a certain amount of energy to the office that doesn’t normally come in. It’s also a great way to get everyone on the team… working towards a similar goal.”
A Foundation for the Future
Jóvenes Adelante’s success stems from a long-standing alliance between MEDA and John O’Connell High School, a bond that has flourished since the launch of the Mission Promise Neighborhood in 2012. Jacqueline Yañez Martinez, MEDA’s Youth Workforce Development Program Manager, highlights the importance of this synergy:
“Collaborating closely with the principal and teachers has been essential in building a program that equips our youth for the future. We are providing them with the necessary tools to navigate their next chapter with confidence and a clear career trajectory.”
By focusing on the Job Search Ready (resume, interview prep, job search skills) toolkit, Jóvenes Adelante ensures that the students are prepared for whatever comes after graduation—whether that is college, an apprenticeship, or stepping directly into their chosen field.
Funding Note: The Jóvenes Adelante program is made possible with support from the City of San Francisco Department of Children, Youth and Their Families (DCYF).
Are you a local business owner or professional interested in hosting an intern? Leave us a note if you want to participate in the program.
Youth Development Program Staff:
- Jacqueline Yañez Martinez, Youth Workforce Development Program Manager
- Mariana Dempsey-López, Youth Workforce Development Coach
- Ashley Ramos, Youth Workforce Development Coach
See Jóvenes Adelante in the field
