On June 29th, NYFC held the 2nd Annual Vocational Conference sponsored by BNY Mellon at NYU. Over 140 youth in foster care attended the event to explore the professional world and various employment opportunities available to them. The Conference helped attendees gain a greater understanding of essential professional development skills through workshops on resume writing, interviewing, networking, and conducting the job search process. BNY Mellon volunteers were on hand to help coordinate the day-long event.

In addition to participating in the workshops, Conference attendees had the opportunity to interact with a panel of older youth in care who have already embarked on their career paths. Following the panel discussion and workshops, youth had the chance to connect with over twenty-three New York City vocational training and professional development programs that attended the Conference. Not to be left out, over forty agency workers attended a separate workshop about career planning and job resources available to youth who are preparing to age out of foster care.