Nevada Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs partners with DETR for workforce development

CARSON CITY, Nev. (KOLO) — The Nevada Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs has announced an innovative workforce development partnership with the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR), backed by a $6.5 million investment from DETR, to expand early learning centers and afterschool programs statewide.

The initiative, dubbed “Up Next Nevada,” is a collaboration between DETR, Nevadaworks, and the Nevada Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs. It aims to engage 210 young adults aged 15 to 24 in employment activities focused on licensed childcare, afterschool enrichment, and youth recreation programs through 2025-2026. This collaboration seeks to address Nevada’s ongoing childcare crisis by increasing the number of trained and well-compensated caregivers available to support working families, ensuring club capacity.

DETR Director Christopher Sewell emphasized the project’s impact: “This project will help bridge a skill gap for young adults and teens. We are proud to support Boys & Girls Clubs’ employee development initiative to empower young people to dream, make a plan and achieve their career goals.”

Beyond addressing the immediate need for childcare staff, the program also seeks to provide a professional pathway in the fields of education, energy, and healthcare for participants. “For decades, Boys & Girls Clubs have grown our own employees, relying on club alumni and teens to staff clubhouses, seasonal camps, and administrative positions,” said Brett Zunino, Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada. “This will expand career options for existing employees and ensure we are fully staffed with the best talent to serve Nevada’s children and teens.”

Nevadaworks will further support participants by co-enrolling them in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other programs. “Through this co-enrollment, Nevadaworks will offer wrap-around services, such as transportation assistance and additional career coaching, to help participants overcome barriers to employment and achieve long-term success,” said Milt Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of Nevadaworks.

The program was officially unveiled Monday, Nov. 17, at 11 a.m. at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada, located at 1870 Russell Way in Carson City. The event featured comments from “Up Next Nevada” participants, state leadership, and executives from the Boys & Girls Clubs.

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