WOCC/T.I.M.E. Summer Experience

In 2020, WOCC adapted the Collaborative Cohort curriculum for high school participants in the Teen Intern Mentoring Experience (T.I.M.E.) summer program. Alongside traditional job readiness training and decision-making skills, we guided students through systems analysis of social justice issues in order to connect structural dynamics to their lived experiences.

Participants used storytelling, photovoice, videography, and graphic design to explore their own “story of self” and its relationship to broader advocacy efforts. The program journals and learning materials were designed in-house, ensuring that every element was both practical and affirming in alignment with WOCC’s mission and vision. Guided by WOCC’s collaborative method, students worked in teams to research issues they cared about. With the assistance of WOCC collaborator, Lesa Dowdy, the girls then wrote, filmed, and produced short documentaries to amplify their perspectives.

• Provided youth—especially Black girls—with tools to critically examine social issues and their own lived experiences.

• Delivered job readiness skills and decision-making frameworks that prepare participants for future education and careers.

• Produced youth-led short documentaries highlighting topics ranging from education equity to environmental justice.

• Fostered intergenerational learning, showing where younger and older generations align in values, vision, and strategy.

• Created a replicable model for integrating identity-centered leadership development into youth employment programs.

POWER Youth, near-peer mentors, WOCC collaborators, and student participants.