Genesys Works

Program Description:  

Genesys Works partners with top companies in a variety of industries and school systems across the country to provide pathways to postsecondary and career success for high school students in underserved communities—66 percent receive free or reduced lunch and 79 percent are first-generation college students. Genesys Works’ yearlong program for high school seniors provides technical and soft skills training, a paid internship with a top employer, and college and career coaching. The program supports career exploration and teaches students how to meet workplace expectations. Through the internship experience, participants gain valuable durable and technical skills and develop professional relationships that open doors to future opportunities. The program’s long-term support of alumni helps to move individuals out of economic inequality and into professional careers. Founded in 2002, Genesys Works serves thousands of students annually in Chicago, Houston, Jacksonville, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Nashville, New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, Tulsa, and Washington’s National Capital Region.

Impact:  

The Class of 2025 Experience Survey shows that Genesys Works participants are building the durable skills they need to succeed after high school. Students reported meaningful gains in communication, critical thinking, growth mindset, and problem-solving—capabilities that help them navigate both postsecondary education and the workplace. In particular, 76 percent of participants improved their communication skills, 64 percent improved their critical thinking, and 74 percent demonstrated increased growth mindset and problem-solving. Participants also strengthened technical skills that are increasingly essential for college and career readiness. Seventy-one percent improved their digital literacy, and 85 percent improved their Excel skills. The program also supports strong postsecondary transitions: 93 percent of participants in 2025 enrolled in college.

Longer-term alumni outcomes further demonstrate the program’s impact. An evaluation of the Class of 2019 seven years after participation found that alumni completed bachelor’s degrees at more than twice the rate of graduates from low-income schools. Alumni also showed signs of economic mobility: 73 percent earned more than their parents, and 20 percent owned their own homes. Their average self-reported annual income was $67,000.

Together, these outcomes demonstrate how Genesys Works helps students build the skills, credentials, and opportunities needed to thrive after high school. 

Population served: 

High school students, nonprofits, and employers in Chicago, Houston, Jacksonville, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Nashville, New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, Tulsa, and Washington’s National Capital Region. 

Learn more here.  

Page last updated in August 2026