Success is nothing new to participants of a popular Flint youth program.

The goal of TeenQuest, an initiative of the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, is to promote succeeding as a lifelong habit for every student it reaches.

TeenQuest,  a free afterschool pre-employment and leadership training program, will graduate 120 high school students on Thursday, March 29 in a ceremony at Swartz Creek Performing Arts Center.

Formed in 2004, the program has prepared 7,000 ninth through 12th grade students to enter the job market, volunteer in the community and even mentor younger children. Leadership and pre-employment training through TeenQuest prepares young people ages 14-19 for the workplace by teaching them about soft skills, interview techniques and financial literacy.

Graduates will be invited to attend a private job fair with employers participating in the Summer Youth Initiative that helps fund and coordinate jobs at local non-profits and businesses.

Training covers core employment competencies that every employer looks for in an employee. Students learn the following skills:

• Interview
• Business etiquette
• Application/resumé preparation
• Communication
• Workplace ethics
• Character development
• Positive mental attitude
• Managing change
• Taking initiative
• Conflict resolution
• Teamwork
• Setting goals
• Financial literacy

TeenQuest and Summer Youth Initiative are supported through the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Ruth Mott Foundation, Hagerman Foundation and other funders.

YouthQuest, a companion program managed by the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, helps prepare children by providing cultural exposure and learning skills. It serves about 2,000 kindergarten through 12th grade students at 15 sites, including Flint and CarmenAinsworth schools, through exposure to theater and museums, nutrition, and contact with community leaders.

— Lead photo: Students participating in TeenQuest make friends while learning skills they’ll use in the job market and throughout their lives.

  Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, Hagerman Foundation, Ruth Mott Foundation, teaching Flint youth job skills, TeenQuest, youth programs in Flint

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