When Bessie joined Enterprise for Youth’s AI workshop, she once viewed artificial intelligence as a distant and intimidating concept, but learning how AI agents work changed her perspective. She discovered its power to enhance human progress and applied it in a project building a biomedical vision-language model that analyzes pneumonia, blood cells, and dermatology scans while addressing biases in how skin tones are classified. The experience sparked her interest in STEM and revealed how AI connects to healthcare, design, and other creative fields. Through Enterprise for Youth’s partnership with Salesforce at Dreamforce, Bessie saw how AI education empowers young people to use technology responsibly, turning curiosity into confidence and helping shape the future of innovation.

At just 19, Cameron Doyle—an Enterprise for Youth alum—has already transformed his curiosity about nature into a clear career path. What began in San Francisco’s parks through the Climate Career Corps has now taken root at SFO Airport, where he’s growing toward his dream: becoming a gardener.

Heather Boothe’s journey with Enterprise for Youth has come full circle. As a teenager, Enterprise gave her her first work experiences, from babysitting to waitstaff training. Now, as Chief of Interpretation & Education at Golden Gate National Recreation Area, she welcomes Enterprise interns into the park, guiding young people as they gain skills, confidence, and career insight just as she once did.

When Nelson Rodriguez joined Enterprise for Youth’s summer internship program, he wasn’t sure what career to pursue. His placement at the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living sparked a love for healthcare, leading him to earn his Certified Nursing Assistant certification while still in high school. Today, Nelson works as a CNA and is on track to become a travel nurse, crediting Enterprise for opening the door to his future.

The path from high school student to future environmental lawyer isn't always straightforward, but for some young professionals, early exposure to climate work and professional development can illuminate the way forward. Nolyn Wong's journey from Enterprise for Youth's Climate Career Corps to UC Berkeley's Political Economy program demonstrates how foundational career experiences can shape academic choices and long-term professional aspirations. Now thriving as a first-year student while maintaining clear goals for law school and corporate environmental law, Nolyn's story showcases the transformative power of early career exposure combined with academic excellence.

The path from high school student to future environmental lawyer isn't always straightforward, but for some young professionals, early exposure to climate work and professional development can illuminate the way forward. Nolyn Wong's journey from Enterprise for Youth's Climate Career Corps to UC Berkeley's Political Economy program demonstrates how foundational career experiences can shape academic choices and long-term professional aspirations. Now thriving as a first-year student while maintaining clear goals for law school and corporate environmental law, Nolyn's story showcases the transformative power of early career exposure combined with academic excellence.

Onesha's transformation from Enterprise for Youth's This Way Ahead program participant and retail professional to Sacramento State Deaf Studies student and educational interpreter demonstrates how early work experience can build foundational skills that translate across industries and life changes. Now focused on serving the deaf and hard of hearing community while balancing college and career, Onesha's story highlights the enduring value of communication skills, relationship building, and staying open to evolving opportunities.

A speech by Carlos Solis delivered to a crowd of 225 people at Enterprise for Youth’s annual dinner celebration, Heroes at Work on April 16th, 2025.

A speech by Ethan Dang delivered to a crowd of 225 people at Enterprise for Youth’s annual dinner celebration, Heroes at Work on April 16th, 2025.

A speech by Pamela Cruz delivered to a crowd of 225 people at Enterprise for Youth’s annual dinner celebration, Heroes at Work on April 16th, 2025.

Glady was a true force—a social worker, a philanthropist, and a woman of deep conviction who believed in the boundless potential of young people. In 1969, she planted a seed that would grow into Enterprise for Youth. For over 55 years, that seed has flourished into a vibrant ecosystem of opportunity, support, and empowerment for thousands of San Francisco’s young people.

On October 10, 2024, we hosted our 55th Anniversary Birthday Bash at SPUR Urban Center, celebrating Enterprise for Youth’s impactful journey since 1969. Embracing the spirit of the ’60s, we created a groovy atmosphere that brought our history to life, with joyful reunions, delicious food, and meaningful connections among alumni, partners, board members, interns, intern hosts, and local supporters.

On October 10, 2024, we hosted our 55th Anniversary Birthday Bash at SPUR Urban Center, celebrating Enterprise for Youth’s impactful journey since 1969. Embracing the spirit of the ’60s, we created a groovy atmosphere that brought our history to life, with joyful reunions, delicious food, and meaningful connections among alumni, partners, board members, interns, intern hosts, and local supporters.

Enterprise for Youth’s 2024 Climate Career Summit builds on the foundation of the previous two years, empowering youth to discover careers in the green space.

At Enterprise for Youth, our Program Assistants are key players who work closely with Enterprise staff and Job Coaches to ensure a positive, welcoming, and smooth experience for all Enterprise interns.

A speech by Maria Herrera delivered to a crowd of 220 people at Enterprise for Youth’s annual dinner celebration, Heroes at Work on May 1st, 2024.

A speech by Juan Molina delivered to a crowd of 220 people at Enterprise for Youth’s annual dinner celebration, Heroes at Work on May 1st, 2024.

A speech by Sabrina Leung delivered to a crowd of 220 people at Enterprise for Youth’s annual dinner celebration, Heroes at Work on May 1st, 2024.

Enterprise for Youth CEO Carlo Solis delivered the following speech at Enterprise for Youth’s annual dinner celebration, Heroes at Work on May 1st, 2024.

Applying for a job is a difficult task when you lack experience, opportunities are even more limited when you are a high school student. Glady Thacher understood this obstacle when she came up with the idea of connecting employers to ambitious youth.