As we get older, it’s common to feel more out of touch with the younger generation entering the workforce. We may try to relate to them by recalling our own teenage experiences—but for many of us, that’s a distant memory. I vividly remember an early experience as a case manager for my local Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program when I said the phrase, “all that and a bag of chips” to a young girl. She looked at me as though I had sprouted a second head. I was confused. Wasn’t that how teenagers spoke? The more I engaged with her and learned about her world, the more I realized how out of sync I had become with the language of today’s youth.
If we struggle to communicate with young people, how can we build meaningful relationships with them? While we don’t need to fully adopt their language, understanding it—enough to avoid sounding intimidating—is key. In today’s digital world, their language evolves rapidly, often changing month to month with new social trends. This brings us to an important question: How can we bridge the gap?
The Power of Youth Representation on Your Workforce Board
Youth boards are a fantastic way to bring fresh perspectives into workforce development. We all recognize the importance of serving youth, but why not give them a direct voice at the table by including them on your workforce board? When this approach was implemented in the area I served, the impact was transformative. Our youth board members brought invaluable insights into how to connect with their peers, and helped us enhance our social media presence, making it more relevant and engaging for their generation.
Often, we underestimate the potential of young people, influenced by the way they are portrayed in the media. In reality, today’s youth are incredibly resourceful and tech-savvy, with vast access to information that they leverage to its fullest potential.
A Success Story: John Doe
Let me share a success story from my time working with a youth participant on our workforce development board. For privacy, we’ll call him John Doe.
John had just graduated high school and was uncertain about his future but had one clear goal: he wanted to be the first in his family to attend college. He worked tirelessly, speaking with recruiters and exploring every financial aid option. Ultimately, he came to me for help with his tuition through the WIOA program.
Around the same time, our board discussed inviting a youth member to serve alongside us. I immediately approached John, and he was eager to participate.
Once John joined the board, it was clear he was in his element. He spearheaded a social media campaign, demonstrating how algorithms affect what we post, and emphasized the importance of AI in networking. He even helped present our program at local schools, speaking directly to students in a way that resonated with them.
After earning his bachelor’s degree, John was offered a full-time position as a data analyst with our WIOA program—where he continues to work today, five years later.
John’s experience exemplifies how powerful youth involvement can be. Even after he graduated, we continued to bring in fresh youth perspectives, ensuring that we stayed up to date with new strategies for reaching and engaging the next generation.
The Value of Youth in Professional Settings
Many of us may not realize how out of touch we are with incoming generations until we interact with them directly. We sometimes overlook young people as viable contributors in professional settings, assuming they lack the life experience or skills required. However, youth bring innovative solutions and fresh ideas that can streamline projects and help us reach new heights.
It only takes one person to recognize the value of learning from young people and allowing them to contribute in a professional environment. I hope that person is you.
