About Us
Founded in 1969, Enterprise for Youth has served over 25,000 young people to date. Each year, 500 youth attend workshops that cover topics including interviewing skills, resume and cover letter preparation, money management training, and conflict resolution. We place youth in internships that give them the opportunity to dig deeper into career fields they’re interested in pursuing. Participants who complete our program apply and enroll at higher rates to post-secondary education. Enterprise for Youth sets young people on the right path to achieve career success.
OUR MISSION
Enterprise for Youth empowers under-resourced youth to reach their potential through transformative paid internship experiences supported by a community of employers, caring adults, and peers.
OUR VISION
Enterprise for Youth envisions that all youth are prepared for their professional future and become successful members of society.
OUR VALUES
Youth Empowerment
Community
Growth
Integrity
Why Enterprise for Youth?
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84% of youth report gaining valuable job skills
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1,117 Youth applied to internships
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$552,000 was earned by youth interns in 2024
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30,000+ youth served since 1969
Our programs
Whether you're new to the job search, or looking for your next paid internship, join our internship program and build your job skills while earning money this summer.
Hear what our community has to say about our programs
YOUTH VOICES
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: HOOPS 4 KIDS
CLIMATE CAREER SUMMIT 2023
Meet Our CEO
With over two decades of experience in San Francisco’s nonprofit sector, Carlo Solis has seen firsthand how paid internships and career readiness support can transform the lives of young people. At Enterprise for Youth, he is committed to expanding access to these opportunities—ensuring that every student, regardless of their neighborhood or background, can build a path to success.
Carlo brings a deep understanding of youth development and community collaboration from his roles as a Community School Coordinator with SFUSD, Director at Bay Area Community Resources, and Senior Partnership Manager at MyPath. As CEO, he is dedicated to strengthening Enterprise’s 55-year legacy and building a more equitable future for San Francisco’s youth.
Our History
In 1969, Glady Thacher founded Enterprise for Youth (formerly Enterprise for High School Students) in her living room with the idea of giving young people opportunities that would prepare them for the workforce. Since then, over 25,000 young people have ventured out in our beloved San Francisco to engage in the world of work.
When she started, Glady listed jobs on index cards and connected those jobs to young people who were eager to work. Over 50 years later, Enterprise offers an internship program, workshops, job shadows, and mentorship. For many of the youth who come through Enterprise, these programs can have a profound impact, setting them on course to a successful future. The Board, staff, students, and alumni of Enterprise are eternally grateful for Glady’s vision and dedication to San Francisco’s youth.
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