Training Academy: Empowering teens (to take on the world)

Training Academy: Empowering teens (to take on the world)

In our house, youth are the solution, not the problem.

If you have ever had the pleasure to receive a tour from our Founder Mark he will take the time to read his favorite quote by Marianne Williamson's, “Our Deepest Fear”.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Why Our Youth Need Support

Since opening our doors in 2017, we have had the privilege of learning from and meeting thousands of local youth and their families. In doing so, we have learned that the needs of our youth and our community members are multi-faceted. Many families in our community struggle to meet their basic needs, and this directly affects their ability to function day to day. When access to healthy food, stable housing, or consistent routines is limited, it impacts everything from a child's ability to focus and manage emotions to a teen's readiness to take on responsibility. Without early opportunities to learn essential life tasks like cooking, cleaning, or managing time, young people often rely on quick fixes or systems that meet immediate needs but do not build lasting skills. Over time, this gap can lead to behavioral challenges, emotional stress, and a missed connection to the pride and satisfaction that come from doing things for yourself.

How Austin17House Steps In

At Austin17House, we believe every young person deserves access to basic needs and the skills to thrive. The Training Academy is built around this idea, helping each participant uncover their strengths, passions, and sense of purpose.

What the Training Academy Offers

The A17H Training Academy is a hands-on learning experience for youth ages 15 to 18 (and motivated 14-year-olds). It helps teens build real-world skills in life, communication, and workplace readiness. The Academy includes structured sessions, weekly real-world activities, mentorship, and self-reflection—designed to help youth feel confident, capable, and ready to take on the adult world. Our Training Academy offers both a strong foundation for youth and a practical solution for local businesses.

Pictured: Mentor Paul teaching youth some electrical skills in STEM

Workforce Basics at the A17H Training Academy

The Workforce Basics program includes three interactive, youth-centered core sessions, participation in real-world activities, mentoring, and personal development workshops:

• Adulting 101 (Monday 10/20/25 6pm-7:30pm)

We’ll review the everyday tools teens need to navigate life. They learn how to manage time, budget, show up prepared, and take responsibility. These are the skills that support independence.

• People Skills (Monday 11/3/25 6pm-7:30pm)

Strong communication, active listening, and teamwork help youth build relationships, handle conflict, and take on leadership. These skills are valuable in every job and in life.

• Workplace Readiness (Monday 11/17/25 6pm-7:30pm)

Workplace readiness means knowing how to show up on time, follow through, accept feedback, and contribute to a team. These habits help teens get hired and succeed wherever they go.

Know a youth who can benefit from this program? Encourage them to sign up online.

Ways You Can Help. Time, Talent, and Treasure

At Austin17House, we believe that programs like this are most powerful when they’re rooted in the community, and that’s where you come in. Whether you're donating time, sharing your talent, or contributing treasure, your involvement makes a difference.

Roles & Time Commitments - Time, Talent, Treasure

Time & Talent—Interested in facilitating or volunteering?

Showcase Advisor

Help youth prepare for the Showcase

🕒 Time Commitment: 3 hours (11/11 & 11/18 prep + 11/22 event)

✔️ No prep required - just show up to support

Session (Co) Facilitator

Lead one of three core 90-minute Monday sessions

🕒 Time Commitment: 4.5 hours total (includes planning and facilitation)

✔️ Topics include Adulting 101, People Skills, and Workplace Readiness

Level Up Workshop Assistant

Support a Tuesday workshop (Problem Solving, Budgeting, Decision Making, etc.).

🕒 Time Commitment: 2 hours per session ✔️ Includes 1 hr per session + prep time with support provided

Training Academy Mentor

Meet with 1 - 3 youth over the 10-week program

🕒 Time Commitment: 5 - 6 hours total

✔️ Includes four 30-minute check-ins with light prep and documentation

Real-World Activities Mentor

Guide hands-on weekly sessions for small groups (Wednesdays or Fridays).

🕒 Time Commitment: 30 hours (10 sessions total)

✔️ Help guide real-world learning

Whether you're an educator, tradesperson, youth worker, or simply someone with life experience to share, we’d love to have you join us in preparing a generation of confident, connected, and workplace-ready young adults.

Get Started

If you’re ready to get involved, sign up online. Together, we can help youth develop the skills, mindset, and confidence to succeed in the workplace and beyond!

Treasure—Support the youth and young adults of the future!

Give today. - https://givebutter.com/trainingacademy

Learn More

Join us at the Austin17House for the Info Session: Friday 8/22/25 6pm-7pm

See Austin17House in action. Open House Dates & Times:

Tuesday, September 2 – 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Wednesday, September 3 – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Thursday, September 4 – 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Friday, September 5 – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM