This holiday season Clarity has partnered with a nonprofit that is near and dear to our hearts, Futures and Options. Futures and Options is a phenomenal organization that connects Urban Youth to Careers. It has been awarded a top rated Non Profit and since 1995 they have empowered NYCs underserved youth to explore exciting careers though career development and paid, mentored internships. They work with business and community partners to build the workforce of tomorrow. Over the last twenty years they have served over 6,000 NYC teens and have coordinated internships at more than 500 private and non-profit businesses with 90% of all participants completing their internship, finishing high school and pursuing a higher education.

Earlier this month we had the opportunity to hear first-hand from the Executive Director, Patty Machir, about the strides they have been making and details on their three Key Programs; Career Essentials, The Internship Program, and the College Guidance Initiative, as well as their holistic approach to set their students up for success. We also heard from their Program Director, Joanna Munoz who shared with us how the internships are customized and structured according to each business’s needs, and their Business Engagement Manager, Corey Ogilby who shared with us ways we can get involved as a company as well as an individual. Last but not least, we met with one of the students of Futures and Options who eloquently shared her story of being an intern and how it has already shaped the path of her life. Her brother preceded her through the program and through his success she was introduced to the opportunity. Her heartfelt gratitude to Futures and Options made everyone in the room at the Clarity office feel inspired to do more and the excitement to be partnering with such an impactful organization was palpable.

Companies can engage with Futures and Options for any length of time, and the candidates are fully vetted to fit the needs of the company. They have over 200 businesses partnered as hosts and the list gets bigger each day. Some of the biggest names on the roster, Morgan Stanley and Kirkland & Ellis, are moving to expand their internship programs because of the success they have seen through placing Futures and Options candidates. Individuals can donate and volunteer in a variety of ways: from mock interviews to resume workshops, and more, there is so much that can be done to help with the job readiness of the students.

Here at Clarity we were so moved by the success of Futures and Options and the passion behind the people that run the organization. Having our brand connected to an organization that shares so many of our values is an exciting step towards brings our expertise and passions together. We are proud and honored to be partnering with such a like minded and impactful organization that provides career development and opens doors for talent to find outstanding opportunities in NYC. We look forward to working together in the future!

Interested in donating, hiring an intern or volunteering in job readiness workshops? Please email Patty Machir pmachir@futuresandoptions.org to be a part of this phenomenal movement to transform our future workforce.