WNY Community Impact Collective Expands Youth Workforce Development Programming Following Successful Pilot in Buffalo

Buffalo, NY - WNY Community Impact Collective, a Buffalo-based nonprofit organization, announced the expansion of its outcome-driven youth workforce development programming following the successful launch of its flagship initiative, Level Up Lab: From Potential to Paycheck.

The program is designed to serve youth ages 14-24, particularly those facing barriers to opportunity, mentorship, and career exposure. Through hands-on, interactive experiences, participants develop practical skills in communication, job readiness, and real-world problem-solving.

A pilot session held on May 3 at the Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Library primarily served youth ages 14-17. Seventeen youth registered for the program, with eight attending and fully participating alongside approximately eleven community volunteers, creating a high-support, intentionally small cohort designed for individualized guidance and stronger participant outcomes.

Participants engaged in resume development, mock interviews, self-exploration, and an interactive challenge where they created and presented solutions to real-world problems.

The program was developed to complement traditional education by focusing on real-world skill development and career readiness. As schools manage increasing demands and resource constraints, initiatives like Level Up Lab provide additional support to help young people build confidence, communication skills, and pathways to future success.

The initiative also reflects a broader need to expand exposure to multiple pathways for young people. Many youth are familiar with traditional career routes but have limited access to information about entrepreneurship, freelance work, and alternative income opportunities.

"Young people are often shown one path. We're expanding that-giving them the tools to explore careers, entrepreneurship, and income opportunities so they can choose what actually works for them and build long-term financial stability," said Amercia Morris, Founder of WNY Community Impact Collective.

The program emphasized hands-on guidance, with volunteers supporting participants through resume writing, interview preparation, and communication exercises to build confidence and practical skills.

"This made me feel more confident about getting a job and talking about my skills. I didn't have that before," said one participant.

The event received media coverage from WIVB News 4 Buffalo:
https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/youth-career-workshop-prepares-students-for-future/

WNY Community Impact Collective's programming model is built around four core areas: Life Skills and Job Readiness, Mentorship and Accountability, Leadership Development, and Income and Transition Pathways.

The organization is expanding into its RISE Program (Readiness, Identity, Skills, Empowerment), a multi-week cohort designed to deepen long-term outcomes and increase access to opportunity for youth across Buffalo.

WNY Community Impact Collective is actively seeking partnerships, sponsorships, and community collaborations to support program expansion.

For more information, visit www.wnyimpact.org or contact hello@wnyimpact.org.

1 Niagara Sq, Buffalo, NY 14202

WNY Community Impact Collective is a nonprofit organization based in Buffalo, New York, dedicated to empowering at-risk youth through structured, hands-on programs. By combining trauma-informed practices with accountability and real-world application, the organization builds confidence and clear pathways toward income, independence, and long-term stability for youth ages 14-24.

This release was published on openPR.