An innovative, community-rooted initiative designed to equip emerging adults ages 18–39 with the creative, cultural, and civic skills needed to thrive in today's evolving workforce.
Apply to the Program Learn MoreThe BBYM Humanities Workforce Development Program is grounded in the belief that the humanities are essential tools for personal growth, community leadership, and economic mobility. The program blends workforce training with cultural heritage, creative expression, and community engagement.
Participants gain practical experience, mentorship, and professional development while contributing to meaningful projects that strengthen local communities. This program positions the humanities not as abstract academic subjects, but as living tools for empowerment, economic opportunity, and community transformation.
Expand access to humanities-based career pathways in arts, culture, media, and community leadership
Strengthen creative and cultural leadership within Black and underserved communities
Provide hands-on opportunities to build portfolios, networks, and professional experience
Support community revitalization through arts, storytelling, and cultural preservation
Honor and uplift the legacy of the Black Church as a cultural, educational, and civic institution
Create a sustainable pipeline of emerging creatives, cultural workers, and community leaders
The program serves adults ages 18–39, with a special focus on individuals seeking nontraditional career pathways and those facing barriers to employment. Participants may be unemployed, underemployed, transitioning careers, or seeking to build creative and cultural skills.
Each component is designed to build skills, confidence, and community impact while providing participants with comprehensive support for their professional journey.
Develop core competencies in writing, storytelling, critical thinking, public speaking, and digital humanities. Training emphasizes communication, cultural analysis, and narrative shaping—skills essential across creative, nonprofit, and community-based careers.
Through panels, site visits, and guided career mapping, participants explore humanities-aligned fields including arts administration, media, cultural preservation, public humanities, and creative entrepreneurship.
Collaborate on hands-on projects that serve the community while building professional portfolios. Projects include oral history collections, public art, cultural festivals, neighborhood storytelling campaigns, and local history documentation.
Participants are paired with experienced creatives, cultural leaders, and community scholars who provide guidance, feedback, and professional insight supporting both creative development and career navigation.
Select specialized tracks aligned with your interests: digital media production, creative writing, arts management, documentary storytelling, community engagement, or graphic design.
Receive training in resume development, portfolio building, grant writing, freelance business skills, and interview preparation. Connect to job opportunities within cultural institutions, nonprofits, and creative industries.
Access to creative tools, workspace, transportation assistance, mental wellness support, micro-grants for community projects, and individualized case management ensuring participant success.
Evaluation methods emphasize growth, creativity, and community impact. Complete portfolios, self-reflections, and project documentation while community partners provide feedback on project outcomes.
Collaborate with museums, libraries, archives, universities, arts councils, media outlets, and community organizations to expand opportunities, resources, and visibility for participants.
Join a long-term network offering continued professional development, creative collaborations, leadership opportunities, and the chance to mentor new participants.
Engage in structured shared learning through peer-led workshops, skill-swap sessions, critique circles, and study groups. This reinforces leadership, communication, and community accountability.
This signature component honors the Black Church as a historic center of education, arts, and civic life. Engage in cultural preservation projects, oral history initiatives, public speaking training, and community programming in partnership with local congregations.
Join a transformative program that blends workforce training with cultural empowerment, creative expression, and community service. Become a storyteller, organizer, cultural worker, and leader who shapes the future of your community.
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