Providing Real-World Experiences
For nearly a decade, Accenture has been a vital partner in supporting our youth facing homelessness through its engagement with the Dove Learning Center. This partnership provides access to valuable platforms and resources that enhance skill-building for young people, particularly in technology and career development. Accenture’s involvement includes organizing workshops, such as the Future Tech Institute, which introduce participants to in-demand career paths within the tech industry and equip them with the skills needed to succeed in today’s job market. Accenture also provides stipends, allowing youth to earn as they learn, and volunteer tutors who offer mentorship, guidance, and hands-on learning in relevant fields. This holistic approach not only builds technical expertise but also fosters confidence and financial independence, paving the way for sustainable career opportunities.
This past fall, nine Covenant House youth and five Accenture volunteers gathered for an enriching offsite experience at the Accenture New York office, with a focus on financial literacy training. The day began with a tour of Accenture’s innovative workspace, where participants observed the company’s dynamic operations firsthand. Diana T., one of the youth participants, commented, “The Accenture tour was wild! It was cool to see what their NYC office looks like and hear from people who work there. We even got to learn about the tech and business side of things — who knew working in finance could be so high-tech?”
Following the tour, the youth took part in an interactive financial literacy workshop covering essential topics such as credit vs. debt, budgeting, and managing student loans and grants. The day concluded with a Q&A session, where participants were able to ask Accenture staff questions about financial literacy and various career paths. This session offered invaluable career exposure and practical financial knowledge, equipping youth with insights that will serve them well in their futures.
The visit to Accenture perfectly complements the work we do at the Dove Learning Center by immersing our students in a professional setting. This exposure to Accenture’s work environment allowed them to meet professionals from diverse backgrounds and gain insight into potential career paths in technology, consulting, and digital transformation. Experiences like this bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications, inspiring curiosity and ambition for what lies ahead.
“At Accenture, we believe in the power of creating opportunities that transform lives. Our partnership with the Dove Learning Center at Covenant House New Jersey is about more than career preparation; it’s about empowering young people to envision and create a future they’re excited about,” said Jennifer McNeil, Managing Director – Financial Service Operations at Accenture. “By providing skills training, financial literacy, and mentorship, we’re not only helping these young individuals succeed in today’s job market but also investing in the next generation of innovators and leaders.”
Accenture has been a vital partner for us by creating pathways for our youth to gain crucial career skills, financial literacy, and mentorship. By offering hands-on learning experiences in a supportive environment, Accenture empowers these young individuals to build a strong foundation for their futures. This collaboration exemplifies the power of partnership in fostering opportunities for young people, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to achieve a sustainable and successful future.
Corporate support is an important component of the work we do. If you are a company or corporation interested in supporting our work with youth facing homelessness, contact Corporate Partnerships & Foundation Officer, Mary Lonergan (mlonergan@covenanthouse.org).
