This month, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Utah’s College & Career Readiness program ran its Future Ready Summer Program for high school youth. Over the course of two weeks, groups of seven to eight youth from various backgrounds attended workshops to build confidence, improve their English, learn digital skills and budgeting, develop career plans and more.

“This was much better than staying at home or only working all day. You get to do something fun! I think this program is good for youth who are beginning to learn English or who have just moved here, to learn basic grammar and the culture,” Azhar, a program student, commented on his experience.

A Zions Bank recruiter stands while presenting to refugee youth participants of the IRC's Future Ready Summer Program, a slide deck is projected on the screen to the left of the presenter.
One of the most impactful moments was a mock job interview session at Zions Bank. During the opening presentation, the recruiters repeatedly emphasized the belief that “Everyone counts.” No matter what your life experiences have been, everyone counts and deserves equal treatment and opportunities.
Photo: James Roh

Jess Hudson, college & career readiness coordinator, designed the two-week initiative with a diversity of experiences in mind, engaging various IRC team members to enrich the curriculum and approach topics through varied teaching styles. Jess confirmed: “The program gives youth the chance to step outside of their comfort zone and have the chance to learn and do something they’ve never done before.”

Azhar and Soheil, two of the youth participants, stated that even though they have resided in the U.S. for several years now, they still appreciated the opportunity to further build on their skills and experiences, all while making new friends and connections.

“The hardest part was getting here on time and staying the whole time. I often had to leave to go to work, the mosque, or an appointment, but I was always glad when I could stay for longer,” noted Azhar.

A Zions Bank recruiter shakes hands with a refugee youth participant in the IRC in Utah's Future Ready Summer Program.
Jess Hudson noted: "The trip to Zions Bank gave them a chance to experience a real interview setting with recruiters who are regularly interviewing people. It allowed them to get that real feeling you get in an interview: butterflies, a little bit nervous.”
Photo: James Roh

Out of the two weeks, one of the most impactful moments was a mock job interview session at Zions Bank. Jess was excited for the youth to get a taste of a professional workplace: "The trip to Zions Bank gave them a chance to experience a real interview setting with recruiters who are regularly interviewing people. It allowed them to get that real feeling you get in an interview: butterflies, a little bit nervous.”

Resumes in hand, the group arrived at Zions Bank, where recruiters from the bank kicked off the event with a presentation. Throughout the discussion, the recruiters repeatedly emphasized the belief that “Everyone counts,” highlighting that no matter what your life experiences have been, everyone counts and deserves equal treatment and opportunities. These youth have fled from violence, war, persecution, and economic hardships, but have learned that this does not define their future.

The mock interviews took place as panels, with one Zions interviewer and two students. At one point during an interview, a student was struggling to express themselves in English, and another participant quickly stepped in to translate, demonstrating the friendships developed during the program. Azhar and Soheil remarked that they were nervous, but left feeling confident and grateful for the feedback they received.

From the back of the room, youth participants are sitting across from Zions Bank recruiters--there are three tables with black tablecloths occupied by one or two participants and one recruiter as they complete mock interviews. A golde framed painting adorns the back wall, windows on the left light up the room.
Zions Bank recruiters provided an opportunity for the youth to experience a professional interview, learn how best to present themselves, and better understand a Utah institution.
Photo: James Roh

After graduation from the program, many look forward to enjoying their summer break but also to using their new skills at college. One student has plans to study aerospace engineering to become an astronaut, another plans to study law and humanitarian aid, several have plans to be doctors and another wants to be a dentist. These youth intend to change the world and are currently preparing to do so.

We would like to thank our numerous donors for their support and participation in this program, including Uber Eats, which provided food for the students every day, as well as the Hogle Zoo and Utah Department of Public Lands.

Help us create opportunities like this for youth in the future—join us as a donor to our Gift of Adventure Fund as we work to send 10 youth on a leadership-building camping trip in October. Learn more & give today »