The world of work is shifting, and for Generation Z, the ground feels unsteady. A 2024 national survey from the 4-H Council shows that a huge number of teens feel unprepared for what’s next, pointing to gaps in everything from stress management to tech and leadership skills.
At the same time, a 2023 study by MENTOR found that fewer young people have a trusted adult mentor in their life than a decade ago. This puts them in a tough spot: just when they need more guidance to handle a complex future, the support systems they used to count on are fading. That’s precisely the gap that East Harlem-based TWIN Initiative was created to fill, turning this uncertainty into a real opportunity for growth, leadership, and practical skills.
Instead of just talking about leadership, TWIN Initiative puts it into practice with a unique model of paid peer mentorships and career pathways grounded in research. It’s an approach that stands apart from other youth programs in NYC, giving Gen Z changemakers a chance to not only prepare for their future but to start building it right now. Let's break down seven essential career and life skills you'll gain through their programs.
