Changing Paths: Our Five-Week Journey With Justice-Involved Teens
Overview
In partnership with The Boselli Foundation, Blueprint30 launched a 5-week Career Exploration and
Readiness Program to empower justice-involved youth with exposure to real career opportunities,
workforce skills, and hope for life after incarceration. The program focused on connecting purpose with possibility helping students see that their past does not define their potential.
Background
Youth in detention or on probation often lack structured opportunities to explore their interests, learn
employability skills, and plan for a future after release. Recognizing this need, The Boselli Foundation partnered with Blueprint30 to bring a focused, hands-on career readiness program directly into the detention environment. The collaboration aimed to re-engage young people through exposure, mentorship, and practical preparation for success beyond the facility.
Program Overview
Originally built as a 9-week workforce curriculum, the Blueprint30 team customized and condensed the program into a 5-week model tailored for youth in detention and on probation. Each session was designed to deliver maximum impact in a limited timeframe, emphasizing real-world applications and guided exploration. Students completed the 60-Second Career Quiz, connected with recruiters in their chosen fields, and learned resume writing, job application, and interview skills. They explored pathways such as merchant seaman, firefighter, military service, and skilled trades, while discussing what to do if they have a felony and how to rebuild their future with confidence. Myths were debunked about career eligibility, and students learned how much money can be earned in each pathway.
Participants
The pilot served more than a dozen students from a local detention center and probation program. Many participants had never participated in a structured career readiness program before. For these youth, Blueprint30 offered their first introduction to future planning, goal setting, and long term decision making.
Results & Impact
The Boselli Foundation pilot produced measurable and inspiring outcomes:
• 100% of participants said they would recommend the program to other students.
• Every participant connected directly with a recruiter aligned to their career interests.
• Students learned practical interview, resume, and communication skills.
• Youth gained a clear understanding of career options, salaries, and advancement opportunities.
• Myths were broken students learned that high-paying, stable careers are possible even with a
challenging background.
“I’m heading straight to the Army recruiter’s office once I get out next week because of the benefits
learned about in this program.”
-Detention Participant
Program Coordinator Reflection – The Boselli Foundation
“The experience was awesome to see the young men get excited again, to dream again, and to know that the possibilities are endless. I was overwhelmed hearing their feedback about being exposed to something different and how they didn’t think they could have a chance to build a career and a family. They had so many questions, filled with enthusiasm and hope. It truly was a sight to behold. The energy went to another level when the Army recruiter came out their faces lit up when a recruiter responded online through the platform. With a few tweaks here and there, this is truly an amazing program for the youth.”
-Alan Louder, Mentor Program Director
Conclusion
The 5-week Boselli Foundation pilot demonstrated the power of adaptability and intentional design. By condensing a 9-week curriculum into a customized, high-impact program, Blueprint30 and The Boselli Foundation proved that meaningful workforce development doesn’t depend on time, it depends on relevance, relationships, and belief in what’s possible. This partnership shows that with the right guidance and exposure, incarceration doesn’t end a young person’s story, it can be the turning point that changes it.
