A key part of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BCGA’s) mission is to brighten the future of young people by giving them the tools to build successful careers. One of BGCA’s most important partners in equipping them with these skills is Old Navy.
Old Navy has been supporting BGCA youth for decades. Currently, it is teaming up with BGCA on This Way Onward. Through this program, Old Navy provides teens ages 16 and up with job training and mentorship, as well as opportunities to work at the retailer.
Recognizing that your first job paves the way for future career success, Old Navy does not require youth to have retail experience. Instead, the retailer looks for teens who demonstrate a strong work ethic, a passion for learning, and the ability to receive feedback.
Teens who excel in the program have the opportunity to be hired by Old Navy for part-time and seasonal positions. Throughout the hiring process, the retailer provides coaching and support that equips youth with skills and knowledge that they can draw on later in life.
Two BGCA youth who have secured positions at Old Navy are Kayla and Tyriona. Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta, Kayla and Tyriona were part of a group of 12 Georgia teens who received job training at Old Navy through This Way ONward.
Kayla, who came to Old Navy as a shy teen, blossomed during her time with the program, becoming more independent and developing strong communication skills. Tyriona, meanwhile, showed herself to be adaptable in her new environment. She also learned to have greater patience and kindness for herself as she attempted to learn new things.
Kayla and Tyriona are just two of the many BGCA youth who have been hired for positions with Old Navy. Through this This Way ONward, Old Navy intends to recruit a total of 20,000 teens for entry-level positions across the country by 2025.