Bolder Options for Youth, One Future at a Time

Gezelle participating in race day!

The I Achieve program connects Bolder Options youth with career coaches and equips them with career readiness skills, financial literacy, and real-world work experience. Participants build their professional networks and expand their idea of what's possible for their future.

Gezelle’s Story:

“Boozhoo-aaniin, Memengwa Indizhnakaus. Hello, my name is Gezelle Oakgrove. I'm a part of the alumni community in Bolder Options and also in the I Achieve program, which is a program to help youth start life after high school.

I want to tell you about the benefits I have experienced thanks to Bolder Options and the I Achieve program. Some great points of the program are that it helps youth figure out budgeting, communicating as a professional, preparing for job interviews, and making good connections. The program does a great job of making sure that everyone’s ways of learning are met, such as classroom-style learning, more individualized approaches, and even hands-on activities like college visits.

I have a vision for my future as a nurse, but I wasn’t sure how to achieve my goals. I didn’t know how to jump into my career or what to prepare for after high school. This program helped me understand the challenges of adulthood and gave me the tools to be successful.

When I joined I Achieve, one of the mentors in the program helped me make a connection that helped me get a job at Mayo Clinic, jump-starting my healthcare career. While in this program, I’ve learned great communication skills, healthy lifestyle habits, and how to balance priorities.

This program was set up like a professional work experience, including getting paid for our time and offering a glimpse into what to expect in the workforce. There were set expectations similar to those in a regular job, along with the support needed to meet them. In the workforce, there are unwritten rules that some may not be aware of, and this program helped us understand them.

I Achieve also connected me with a career coach in the same profession I want to go into. Having a one-on-one mentor who is a nurse allowed me to get specific and helpful feedback and advice. This has opened up my range of choices in nursing and what specialty I want to go into.

Graduation Ceremony

Everybody has questions about careers and futures. I’m 19, and even though I have already graduated from high school, this program has still helped me make important connections that will continue to support me as I move forward in my career.

Everyone wants to see others succeed, and this program helps youth become successful adults. The volunteers are important because they serve as great role models. For youth who come in unsure about their future, they provide valuable insight into different professions. My mentor is eager to help and very patient with my busy schedule. All of the volunteers are supportive and encouraging.

This program wasn’t just about careers. It gave us the tools to be happier and more successful adults. My experience was really good, and it wouldn’t have been possible without all the volunteers and staff at Bolder Options. I would recommend this program to any young people who are still unsure about their future—or even those who already have a plan—because of the personal connections you can gain."

The Power of Mentorship and Career Readiness

Gezelle’s story is just one example of how Bolder Options impacts the lives of young people in our program.

Mentorship plays a crucial role in youth development, offering guidance and encouragement at a pivotal time in their lives. Career coaching and job training provide young people with the skills they need to enter the workforce prepared and ready to thrive.

Gazelle Giving Capstone Speech

How You Can Get Involved

Community members and professionals can get involved in many ways - becoming a mentor, volunteering as a career coach, hosting a cohort at your workplace or school, helping with transportation, and much more. Contact us to get started.