Mayor’s Youth Employment Program (MYEP) – Charlotte, NC
Charlotte is investing in youth to advance racial equity, social justice, economic opportunity, and upward mobility. Like many U.S. cities, school‑to‑career systems are misaligned with 21st‑century needs: 53% of U.S. jobs are middle‑skill, yet only 43% of workers are trained at this level. MYEP addresses this gap by providing equitable, solutions‑driven pathways into in‑demand careers.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD): Community Services Division – Charlotte, NC
Youth from disadvantaged communities often lack positive role models and resources, leading to cycles of disadvantage and contact with the justice system. Racial minorities and individuals with disabilities are disproportionately represented in prisons, rooted in the school-to-prison pipeline. Limited access to education, health, and career opportunities compounds inequality. CMPD’s Community Services Division was created to bridge this gap by fostering trust, mentorship, and positive engagement between youth and law enforcement.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations: Community Affairs Division – Charlotte, NC
In 2016, amid civil unrest and rising student behavior concerns, Charlotte recognized the need for sustainable programs to rebuild trust between the community and law enforcement and address growing youth violence. More recently, rising violent crimes, over 100 juvenile offenders and nearly 500 juvenile victims in early 2023, underscore persistent barriers to education, health, and career opportunities that fuel cycles of inequality.
Community Letter Engagement Initiative- Charlotte, NC
Following a report on economic inequity in the city and a fatal officer-involved shooting in late 2016, Charlotte, North Carolina looked to engage the community in meaningful ways.
Partnership for Inclusive Employment and Career Excellence (PIECE) – Charlotte, NC
PIECE is a collaboration among the City, local businesses and nonprofit organizations to provide training and employment in the construction industry to economically challenged segments of the Charlotte community.
LEVEL UP Youth Program – Charlotte, NC
LEVEL UP was started in 2017 to assist Charlotte teens by preventing crime, promoting health and reducing academic summer regression. The initiative is a collaboration of the City, YMCA and an assortment of other nonprofit organizations.
“Take Ten” – Charlotte, NC
Charlotte, NC, used a novel approach a few years ago to survey residents: use city employees to stop people on the street for an impromptu ten-minute survey on how they feel about their city.
Thank You to Our Key Partners
