The time of the teen worker is upon us. With flexible schedules void of any real organization and free time to spare, local teens are joining the local workforce this summer again for the first time. While fashioned with mostly perky attitudes, most have never had any workforce development training to perform their jobs adequately. That is where My Future So Bright summer work program comes in for the win—a program designed to equip teens with skills that are needed in the workplace. The first two weeks of the program focus on key areas in workforce development to build foundational skills.
• Self-Management: Understanding the importance of personal responsibility, time management, and goal setting.
• Work Ethics: Emphasizing the value of integrity, reliability, and a strong work ethic in professional settings.
• Communication Skills: Developing effective verbal and written communication abilities is crucial for any workplace environment.
• Financial Literacy: Gaining knowledge on managing finances, budgeting, and understanding financial responsibilities.
• Workplace Etiquette and Professionalism: Learning the norms and expectations of professional behavior, including dress code, punctuality, and workplace interactions.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Appreciating and embracing diversity in the workplace and understanding the importance of creating an inclusive environment.
• Career Exploration and Resume Writing: Exploring different career paths and industries and learning how to create impactful resumes that highlight their skills and experiences.
• Interview Techniques and Networking: Practicing interview skills and learning the importance of networking to build professional relationships.
• Technology and Digital Literacy: Enhancing their ability to use modern technology and digital tools effectively in the workplace.
• Mock Interviews: Participating in mock interviews to build confidence and gain feedback.
After the completion of the first part of the summer program, teens put their skills to the test and join the summer workforce. My Future So Bright partners with local businesses in the community to bring the teens from training to employment. Teens are ready for employment in several fields and can continue to develop the skills learned in the workshops.
• Administrative Assistants: Leveraging their communication, organizational, and technology skills to support office operations.
• Customer Service Representatives: Utilizing their interpersonal skills and professionalism to provide excellent service in retail, hospitality, and other customer-facing roles.
• Sales Associates: Applying their knowledge of communication and work ethics to engage with customers and drive sales in retail environments.
• Internships: Taking advantage of hands-on experience and industry-specific training gained through the program to secure internships in various fields.
• Project Assistants: Supporting project teams with their organizational skills and ability to manage tasks effectively.
• Marketing and Social Media Assistants: Utilizing their creativity and digital skills to assist in marketing campaigns and social media management.
• Community Service Volunteers: Gaining experience through volunteer work in various community service projects, helping to build a sense of responsibility and community engagement.
My Future So Bright is an initiative of the Mid-Carolina Workforce Development Board, a City of Fayetteville-funded organization. MCWD Board team member, Fayetteville native and E.E. Smith graduate, Jennifer
McArthur is enthusiastic about the program, its community impact and the teens that are joining the workforce with the skills needed to succeed.
“The concept of 'My Future’s So Bright' emerged from the dedicated efforts of Verna Jones. Her commitment to empowering youth and fostering workforce development inspired the creation of this program. The program's mission is to create a supportive environment where participants can develop essential professional skills, build self-confidence, and explore various career paths. By partnering with local businesses and community organizations, 'My Future’s So Bright' aims to foster a network of support and guidance that helps participants transition smoothly into the workforce … The primary goal for each workshop is to provide participants with a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge that will benefit them throughout their personal and professional lives.” McArthur boasted of the program.
While this year’s session is over, now is the time to get involved, whether as an interested teen, potential workshop hosts, or employer. For teens wishing to enter the program, there are qualifications and an application process that MUST be completed to be accepted.
Qualifications
• Be between the ages of 14 and 15.
Reside within the city limits of Fayetteville.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in gaining work experience and developing professional skills.
Application Process
• Application Form: Interested teens must complete an application form, which can be obtained from the Mid-Carolina Workforce Development Board office.
• Interview: Selected applicants will be invited to participate in an interview to further assess their suitability for the program.
Application Process and Timeline
• Application Availability: Applications will be made available in early February to allow more time for interested teens to prepare their submissions.
• Application Deadline: The deadline for submitting completed applications has been extended to the end of March.
• Interviews: Interviews for selected candidates will be conducted throughout April.
• Notification of Acceptance: Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status by early May.
• Program Start Date: The MFSB summer work program will commence in early June and continue through the end of July.
To request an application, contact Mid-Carolina Regional Council, 6205 Raeford Road Fayetteville in person or by phone at 910-323-4191.
Employers interested in partnering with the My Future So Bright Summer program can contact NCWorks Career Center via phone at 910-912-2400 and ask to speak to a Business Service Representative.
Employers can get involved with the program in different ways. They can become host/job shadowing sites. These employers offer the teens hands-on experience in the workforce. Employers can sponsor events or workshops that the program runs to teach the foundational skills. These can include networking events and career-building workshops. Employers can also become mentors.
This position is vital to the program and an important part of how it can connect with the teens and provide guidance and support. No matter what form employers choose to participate in the My Future So Bright program, it is impactful and meaningful in the work being done.
This year’s programs have been a success, and participants can be found all over the city, putting their skills to use. McArthur attributes the success of this year to its employer partners and many more.
“I would like to extend heartfelt gratitude and recognition to several outstanding individuals and partners who have been instrumental to the 'My Future So Bright' summer work program this year. Raymond Godsave, Manager of the NCWorks Career Center, ensured that there was dedicated space set apart from their normal daily operations for our program participants to attend workshops. His support has been invaluable in providing a conducive learning environment. Danielle
McClamb and Jordyn Horse, the Youth Service Team, and Torris Ferguson, the Business Service Representative for the NCWorks Career Center, played a crucial role in hosting the youth job fair on May 4.
"This event allowed the program to connect with youth candidates interested in being part of 'My Future So Bright.' Veronica Rozier and Orin Gill, the Business Services team of the Mid-Carolina Workforce Development Board worked with successful business owners within the community. Their efforts enabled these professionals to share their insights and experiences in their respective industries with our participants, and they also worked diligently with each employer regarding job placement for program participants.
"A special thanks to Justin Hembree, Samantha Wullenwaber, and Verna Jones, the executive leadership team of Mid-Carolina, for their unwavering support of the vision and mission of the 'My Future’s So Bright' Summer Work Program. Eric Stevenson of Madison Counseling Firm and Xavier DeBrough deserve recognition for their dedicated work with our participants on the development of essential soft skills. We are incredibly grateful to Samuel Gordon Jr. of SWG Home Inspections, Esther Torres of Move with Esther, Karlette Beasley of Ideal Real Estate powered by LPT Realty, LLC, Latonia Parks of Top Bragg Realty & Property Management, The UPS Store #7705 & Cold Stone Creamery Hope Mills with the support of Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ – Fayetteville, Ta’Tianna Bonilla of I Love Balloons, LLC, Tamiko Singleton of Fayetteville Natural Hair Expo, Jessica Jones and Tinyca Bryan of Becoming Counseling Services, PLLC, Dr. Ernest & Pastor Cynthia Jones of True Vine Ministries, and Al Lampkins of Veterans Bridge Home and Community Blueprint for sponsoring lunches for our youth program participants.
"We also appreciate the contributions of Alexis Hargraves with Jane's Beautiful Angels, Nurturing Healthcare Solutions, and Leathia's Helping Hands of Virginia for donating and providing grab bags to the program. Many thanks to Sherry Bryon of Truist Bank, Kathy Jensen of An Affair to Remember, Eric Washington of Washington Apparel Company, Ebony Chisolm, Marvin Price of Fayetteville Technical Community College, Sylvia Glanton of Personameant Solutions, LLC, Patti Jordan, Barbara Robinson, Brooke Vann of Fayetteville State University, Dr. Gayle Gill and DaQuaria Shepard of The Carter Clinic, P.A., for hosting various breakout sessions and activities.
"Finally, I extend my gratitude to Ta’Tianna Bonilla, Marcus Doss, Karlette Beasley, and Latonia Parks for sharing their entrepreneurial journeys and insights into being business owners within our community. Each of these individuals and organizations has played a significant role in making the 'My Future’s So Bright' program a success, and their contributions are deeply appreciated.”

(Photo: The graduates of 2023's My Future So Bright program pose for a photo. Photo courtesy of City of Fayetteville Flickr.)