Welcome to Career Corps!
A Partnership for Youth Employment in Chester County, PA
CONNECT WITH A JOB THAT FITS INTO YOUR WORLD.
Education & Training
Our mission is to eliminate barriers while creating pathways to success, serving participants ages 16 to 24. Whether you’re in need of GED classes, training for work opportunities, career advice, or skill development we are here to help.
Career Services
We help connect job seekers like you with local Chester County employers and ready you for the application and interview process. We will help you build your resume and cover letter so your skills shine, prepare you for the interview process, and guide you in your career journey for up to one year after you’re hired!
Who We Are
Career Corps: A Partnership for Youth Employment is a comprehensive year-round program dedicated to empowering young Chester County residents, aged 16-24. Providing essential tools, guidance, and unwavering encouragement, Career Corps offers a wide array of resources to support both In-School and Out-of-School Youth. By creating a nurturing environment, the program equips participants with the confidence and competence needed to navigate their academic journeys and achieve their career aspirations successfully. Join EDSI Chester County’s Career Corps today and take the first step towards a bright future.
What We Do
Our mission is to inspire and empower youth and young adults of Chester County to fully realize and activate their passions. We achieve this through the implementation of tailored goal setting, personalized career development plans, and a commitment to continued education. By providing these customized and comprehensive services, we ensure that each individual can confidently pursue their dreams and carve out a successful and fulfilling career path.
Program Highlights
Education & Training
- Tutoring and secondary-school assistance
- GED preperation and testing (virtually and in-person)
- Post-secondary education guidance and support
- Financial aid and scholarship assistance
- Career skills training and on-the-job training
- Industry-recognized certification programs
Supportive Services & Incentives
Provided on an as-needed basis:
- Transportation
- Childcare
- Educational testing
- Work clothing and tools
- Financial incentives to achieve programmatic milestone goals
Career Services
- One-on-one personal career advising
- Guided career exploration activities
- Recruiter services to match your talents to the right career
- Career readiness skills development and workshops
- Resume and cover letter development and review
- Interview workshops and one-on-one mock interview sessions
Work Experiences
- Job shadowing
- Job training (often ends in industry-recognized certifications)
- Paid and unpaid internships
- Paid work experiences (up to 30 hours per week for 8 weeks)
- Staff-Assisted Job Search
- Industry-specific career mentorship
Career Corps Success Stories
Nilavarasy
Read Nila's story here!
I was a determined dual-enrolled participant in Career Corps and the WIOA Adult ITA programs. I had my sights on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). With the help of my advisors, I navigated challenges such as childcare and scheduling for CNA school. My career advisors identified the Dolten Academy of Science, and my acceptance there marked the beginning of my training.
I proudly completed my CNA training and earned my certificate of completion. With unwavering support from my career advisors and business service representative, I received interview offers from reputable healthcare institutions. Ultimately, I triumphed by accepting a job offer from Main Line Healthcare.
Today, I thrive in my role as a dedicated CNA at Main Line Healthcare, successfully balancing the responsibilities of parenthood and my career. My story stands as a testament to resilience, hard work, and the amazing work that Career Corps does. I hope my journey inspires others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face.
Domunique
Read Domunique's story here!
In 2022, I was introduced to Career Corps by a program participant who spoke highly of its impact. At the time, I was facing domestic violence, food insecurity, and housing instability. Despite these overwhelming challenges, I signed up for Career Corps, hoping for career exploration and support while surviving on an extremely low income.
From day one, I received empathy and support from my case manager and youth coordinator, making me feel genuinely cared for. Through skill-building workshops, mock interviews, and various supportive services, I gained confidence. I was also referred to other programs that far exceeded my expectations.
Joining the Paid Work Experience (PWE) program allowed me to grow personally and professionally. I rediscovered my passion for helping people, especially in a field I deeply relate to. Today, I have a car, a full-time job, and my own apartment, all thanks to the guidance and support from Career Corps. I have no regrets and wish there were more programs like Career Corps.
Abdullah (AJ)
Read AJ's story here!
Amidst high tech industry layoffs, with the help of Career Corps, I started making progress toward my goal of becoming a Frontend Developer. Graduating from Temple University with a degree in Information Technology, I sought to enhance my career skills and gain valuable work experience. In August 2023, I joined Career Corps. They helped me with my resume, cover letter, and interview skills. The business services team connected me with the HireOne events, during which I learned about Zeus Fire & Security. I landed a first-round interview during which I was told I needed more experience.
In March 2024, Career Corps placed me in a Digital Marketing Intern position with EDSI, where I worked on creating the youth program website. I also had the opportunity to gain a Digital Marketing certification while there. My work at EDSI inspired new interest from Zeus Fire & Security’s hiring manager, and I landed another interview with them at the end of my internship.
Career Corps had an incredible impact on my journey, and I wouldn’t have had these opportunities without their support.
