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Senior Year Only Program (SYOP)
Student Profile: High school students who have 
earned a minimum of 17.5 quality credits by the end  
of 11th grade; a specific number of credits is required 
in each of several subjects, such as English, math,  
and science.
Participants can earn their high school diploma  
plus industry certifications to jump-start their career 
goals. Students can choose from programs in  
Urban Agriculture, Urban Agriculture and Landscape 
Design, and Animal Science and Food Systems  
Relationships. Participants receive certifications 
in OSHA 10, ServSafe, PA Pesticide Applicator’s 
License, and STIHL Landscaping Equipment Use 
Training. The program is free of charge and provides 
transportation, breakfast, lunch, and necessary  
books/materials for all programs.
Learn more at www.philasd.org/collegeand 
career/#syop
Tech Impact: IT Works
Student Profile: High school graduates ages  
18 through 26 available for a 16-week Monday  
through Friday commitment that have an interest  
in technology careers. 
IT Works provides 11 weeks of basic computer skills 
training, covering hardware and troubleshooting, 
through certification in CompTIA A+. It culminates with 
a five-week internship and job placement assistance. 
Learn more at techimpact.org
The Skills Initiative
Student Profile: You must be unemployed, live in 
Philadelphia, and have a high school diploma or GED. 
Certain programs require that you be a resident of  
West Philadelphia. 
Programs which connect you to the tools and  
supports needed to build a career in the medical field, 
transporation and operations, skilled trades, and  
manufacturing. 
Learn more at philadelphiaskills.org/jobs
Urban Technology Project
Student Profile: High school graduates, minimum  
age 17 or 18, depending upon program. Some  
programs require one year of technology experience. 
All programs offer stipends or salaries.
A collaboration between the School District of  
Philadelphia and Launch of Philadelphia, the Urban 
Technology Project offers three pre-apprenticeships, 
including Digital Service Learning in partnership  
with AmeriCorps, Computer Support Specialist (CSS) 
Program in partnership with Launch of Philadelphia,  
and a Software Developers Apprenticeship.  
Stipend or salary provided, up to $29,000.
Learn more at utp-philly.org
Zakiyyah Ali
is Managing Director of Career Pathways at  
Heights Philadelphia
Success starts with knowing yourself. Take time to understand 
your interests, strengths, values, and what motivates you — 
because the better you know yourself, the better decisions 
you’ll make about your education, career, and life. Next, take 
ownership of your future by creating a plan to build in-demand 
skills, earn credentials, gain real-world experience, and grow 
your professional network. Remember that your knowledge, 
skills, education, and work ethic are your greatest career assets. 
They determine the opportunities available to you, the value 
you bring to your work, and ultimately your earning potential 
and quality of life. Take advantage of every opportunity  
to learn, grow, and develop yourself. Every class, internship,  
job, mentor, and experience is an investment in yourself.  
You can create a future for yourself that is exciting, meaningful, 
and successful. Be a lifelong learner and always finish what  
you start. The more you invest in yourself today, the more 
opportunities you’ll create tomorrow.
“Take advantage  
of every  
opportunity  
to learn, grow, 
and develop  
yourself. Every 
class, internship, 
job, mentor, and 
experience is an 
investment in 
yourself. You can 
create a future  
for yourself  
that is exciting, 
meaningful,  
and successful.”

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