Investment to help teens & young adults find pathways to meaningful employment
Wilmington, Delaware – As the NBA season tips off, the NBA Foundation is investing in Delaware’s young people off the court. The YMCA of Delaware has received a $25,000 grant for its Workforce Development program, which helps teens and young adults prepare for work, gain experience, and build a path to lasting opportunity.
The YMCA Workforce Development program serves young people ages 16 to 24 through career training, paid internships, mentorship, financial literacy education, and industry-recognized credentials. It connects them with practical skills, caring adults, and first jobs that can open doors for the rest of their lives.
“Young people across Delaware have the talent and determination to succeed. What they need are opportunities, practical skills, and caring adults who show up for them,” said Jarrett Royster, President and CEO of the YMCA of Delaware. “Through this investment in our Workforce Development program, the NBA Foundation is helping more young people build confidence, gain experience, and take the next step toward a brighter future.”
Since its launch, Workforce Development has trained 651 young people and facilitated 562 paid internships. It has achieved an 86% internship placement rate, and every first-year EVOLVE graduate secured either a new job or a raise.
Participants complete structured training in communication, professionalism, employer expectations, résumé development, and interviewing. Many then move into paid internships where they gain hands-on experience, work alongside professional mentors, and begin building workplace relationships and networks.
The program also includes EVOLVE, the YMCA’s credentialing and career advancement pathway. Through partnerships with Delaware Technical Community College and other training providers, participants can pursue credentials in growing fields such as certified nursing, early childhood education, forklift operation, fitness training, and artificial intelligence.
Independent evaluation also shows that participants are developing the personal skills needed to thrive at school and work. Among 2025 participants, 94% demonstrated growth in self-management, 94% grew in confidence in their schoolwork, and every participant showed growth in at least one core social and emotional skill area.
The grant builds upon the YMCA of Delaware’s partnership with the Delaware Blue Coats, the Philadelphia 76ers’ NBA G League affiliate. Together, the organizations co-developed the YMCA Junior Blue Coats Developmental Basketball League, which now serves more than 525 young athletes across five YMCA communities in New Castle County.
“The Delaware Blue Coats and the YMCA of Delaware share a deep commitment to youth opportunity across Delaware. Through our partnership, we co-developed the YMCA Junior Blue Coats Developmental Basketball League, creating a pathway for young people to grow as athletes and leaders,” said Alex Yoh, Vice President of Business Operations for the Delaware Blue Coats. “The Y’s Workforce Development and EVOLVE programs extend that same commitment into career readiness, equipping teens and young adults with the skills and resources they need to succeed.”
The NBA Foundation promotes economic empowerment for under-resourced youth by supporting high-impact nonprofit organizations across NBA markets. Its partnerships provide funding, connections, and greater visibility to organizations creating education, employment, and career advancement opportunities for young people.
Through this investment, the YMCA of Delaware will continue connecting young people with the training, mentorship, work experience, and support they need to move confidently from school into careers.
About the YMCA of Delaware
The YMCA of Delaware is Delaware’s largest nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth, fostering healthy living, and promoting strong communities. With seven branches statewide, a youth resource center, and an overnight camp and conference center in Worton, Maryland, the Y has developed longstanding relationships and a physical presence in Delaware so it can deliver lasting personal and social change. We are committed to serving everyone, regardless of age, income or background, nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving Delaware’s health and wellbeing, and creating a healthy, inclusive community where all people reach their full potential. www.ymcade.org
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