2026 Learn & Earn Summer Youth Employment Program

New Century Careers was proud to host this year’s Learn & Earn press conference, featuring Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor and Partner4Work CEO Rob Cherry. They were joined by former Learn & Earn participant Leon Wade, who shared how the program helped him move beyond a low-wage fast food job and onto a path to becoming a journeyman machinist.

Leon was placed with New Century Careers, where he trained alongside MANUFACTURING 2000 (M2K) Pre-Apprentices, earned National Institute for Metalworking Skills credentials and received guidance from NCC instructors and support staff. With multiple job offers to choose from, the 18-year-old selected Fluid Sealing International, where he’s now employed as a machinist trainee.

Leon was one of four high school graduates NCC hosted during its first year in the Learn & Earn program. This year, NCC anticipates welcoming 10 Learn & Earn participants.

Learn & Earn is a six-week paid summer program that connects Pittsburgh and Allegheny County youth and young adults with paid work experiences and career pathways through local employers.

Applications are open now through June 5, 2026, for participants ages 14–23. Each year, Learn & Earn provides meaningful summer opportunities that help young people build skills, boost confidence and create pathways to future careers.

A Fun and Focused Board Retreat

Facilitator Luci Dabney

Board member Sandy Madden

Facilitators Luci Dabney and Peg Fiedler of Human+Kind, LLC guided a dynamic Board Retreat focused on deepening the Board’s understanding of its roles and responsibilities while taking a thoughtful look at organizational capacity. NCC Board members explored opportunities to strengthen data tracking and improve monitoring of the strategic plan, and engaged in meaningful discussion about the Board’s role in advancing fundraising efforts. The retreat also included a reflective review of the organization’s vision statement, core values and Board matrix. 

NCC extends its appreciation to the Program to Aid Citizen Enterprise for its support through the PACE Intensive Services Capacity-Building grant, which made this day possible.

Thanks also to the Board Retreat speakers and the Alle-Kiski Health Foundation for generously providing use of its center to host the retreat.

Help Build a Skilled Workforce for Today and Tomorrow

If your employer participates in United Way of SWPA’s Contributor Choice Program, please consider designating New Century Careers as a recipient of your workplace gift or pledge.

By selecting NCC (Code 1461264) on your company pledge form, you’ll be supporting tuition-free machinist skills training for SWPA job seekers through the MANUFACTURING 2000 (M2K) PA State-Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

Thank you to NCC’s current United Way of SWPA Contributor Choice donors for your generous support!

Bridges of Good Work

Have you spotted NCC’s new "Bridges of Good Work" campaign yet? If not, take a moment to explore it on WTAE’s Bridges of Good website. 

The website, along with a dynamic suite of ads created for WTAE-4, COZI and targeted streaming platforms, launched on April 6 to boost brand visibility and inspire prospective applicants to apply to the M2K program.

New Evening and Saturday Hours for M2K at the Anselmo Training Innovation Center in Pittsburgh

NCC is excited to expand the M2K training schedule in June to better serve job seekers. In addition to daytime training sessions in Pittsburgh, NCC will now provide sessions two evenings per week (Mondays and Wednesdays) as well as Saturdays. This updated schedule is designed to offer greater flexibility, making it easier for individuals with varying work and family commitments to access the M2K program. NCC looks forward to welcoming more participants into these additional training opportunities.

M2K evening training is also available at the Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center.

For more information about M2K training options, please contact Student Services & Pre-Apprenticeship Coordinator Allison Schubert at

schubert@ncsquared.com or 412-258-6617.

To support the manufacturing workforce through New Century Careers

DONATE HERE or by mailing a check made payable to

New Century Careers, 305 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219