Professional Opportunities Program for Students, Inc., (POPS) is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) community-based organization that provides paid internships, educational and developmental skills for 16-18 year old high school students.  Students worked for eight weeks during the summer and were paid above minimum wage. POPS offers life skills to prepare students to be productive tax-paying citizens. The program also provides an alternative to get students off the streets after school and during the summer when it’s easy for them to hang out and get into trouble.

POPS is a holistic approach to improving communities by involving culturally diverse teens, their families, business mentors, schools and POPS counselors. POPS program participants must attend school regularly, demonstrate grade improvement, and maintain good behavior in school and within the community. Once students are enrolled in the program, their parents must attend at least three parent/teacher conferences meetings during the school year. The hourly wage paid to students provides an excellent incentive to teens who complete the program. They will also receive mentoring from employers, a special recognition luncheon, and workforce development training that will prepare them to face life’s challenges. The POPS program has combined community, schools and business efforts to support and encourage at-risk teenagers to complete high school, pursue advanced education, and obtain gainful employment.