TAY WORKS! Program FAQ A Youth Workforce Development Program

San Diego Youth Services (SDYS) is a nonprofit organization that helps vulnerable and struggling youth reach their highest potential. SDYS is the largest and longest serving provider of housing and supportive services to homeless youth in San Diego County.

TAY WORKS! is a comprehensive employment readiness program for youth ages 15 to 24 that offers a pathway to success in the workforce.

TAY WORKS! gives youth the opportunity to build job skills, connections and professionalism through weekly classes, mentorship, job placements and on-the-job training, all while receiving comprehensive supportive services and housing.

The goal of the program is to provide 850+ youth with exposure to the workforce, job training and job placements.

SDYS developed TAY WORKS! as a unique approach to meet the workforce development needs of youth experiencing homelessness, former foster youth and youth who are engaged with the juvenile justice system, who may otherwise have very limited or no employment opportunities.

Tay WORKS! originally grew from our From the Grounds Up Coffee Shop that was started to give youth an opportunity to train as baristas and get work experience, while receiving support services and housing.

SDYS will provide housing to youth in this program, through permanent housing as part of our transitional housing program or through support so youth can keep their current housing. Our supportive housing, which includes independent living skills training, provides a one-to-two-year period of support so youth can focus on stabilizing their lives, completing their education and learning the skills necessary to live independently.

SDYS will also connect participants with community resources that help meet their ongoing basic needs, including food, housing, transportation, child and dependent care, educational testing, tools and uniforms, work attire, books, fees and school supplies during the program. 

TAY WORKS! is funded through many different sources, including through the Board of State and Community Corrections for Youth Reinvestment funding and through San Diego Workforce Partnership funding. Grant funds will be used to cover costs of employment and training related application fees, testing, and certifications.

SDYS works with post-secondary institutions, including contracted partner UCSDE, to support and track attainment of recognized educational and occupational training credentials among TAY WORKS! participants.