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Krystalina Padilla
Krystalina Padilla
South Bronx United (SBU) is a nonprofit youth development organization with a mission of using soccer as a tool to uplift youth and families in the South Bronx. More than 1,900 young people--beginning at age two and all the way through young adults navigating college and careers--will have participated in programs this year in the classroom, on the soccer field, and in the community.
SBU’s Workforce Development Program is a 6-month employment program for youth ages 16-24 who are looking to gain paid work experience and build essential career skills. Through the program, participants develop employment readiness by creating professional resumes, strengthening interview skills, and gaining a clear understanding of how to succeed in the workplace.
Participants attend weekly workshops held from 5:30pm-7:00pm at the SBU Clubhouse and complete training aligned to their selected employment pathway. Participants choose between the Café Fellowship, Education Fellowship, or Coaching Corps, each offering part-time employment either at the Clubhouse Café or within SBU’s youth programming. Participants typically work 5-15 hours per week (up to 30 hours in the summer). Throughout the program, workshops focus on building career readiness skills, and staff provide ongoing support to help participants secure employment within three to five months of completing the program.
The Clubhouse Café (The Clubhouse Cafe) serves as one of the primary worksites, where participants gain hands-on experience as baristas, sales associates, and cashiers. Throughout the program, fellows participate in professional barista training with Devoción Coffee, along with ongoing on-site training led by the Café Manager. Participants learn to prepare a variety of beverages, including espresso drinks, lattes, cappuccinos, matcha, and teas, while building strong customer service skills. Fellows also have the opportunity to earn their Food Handlers Certificate, paid for by SBU. This position is ideal for participants who are interested in the food or hospitality industry and enjoy working in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment.
Coaching Corps members serve as assistant coaches across SBU programming, including summer soccer camps, weekend recreational leagues, after-school programs, and indoor sessions. Throughout the 6-month program, participants receive training from the Community Soccer Programs Manager and have the opportunity to earn a U.S. Soccer Grassroots Coaching License, paid by SBU, with potential to advance further. Coaches develop group management skills, gain experience working with youth, and build confidence in their leadership and coaching abilities.
Education Fellows work directly with middle school students in SBU’s after-school academic programming. Fellows support classroom activities, assist with homework, and lead enrichment projects that promote both academic growth and personal development. Throughout the program, participants receive ongoing coaching and training from the Academy Program Director and other academic staff to strengthen their skills in tutoring, classroom management, and youth engagement. Fellows also have the opportunity to work toward an education-related certification aligned with their professional goals, paid by SBU.
This position is ideal for participants interested in education, teaching, youth development, or mentoring. Fellows are expected to be available at least two days per week, typically between 3:30pm and 7:30pm.
Throughout the program, fellows are paired with a mentor and meet at least once a month to receive guidance, support, and advice. Mentors are thoughtfully matched based on a fellow’s career interests, college major, or specific skills and experiences, ensuring meaningful and relevant connections. These sessions provide support in areas such as college planning, job readiness, career exploration, and any personal or professional challenges fellows may be navigating.
After completing the program, participants transition into SBU’s long-term mentorship network as Alumni. This ongoing mentorship continues on a monthly basis, offering consistent guidance as youth navigate college, careers, and life beyond the program. Having a dedicated mentor over time helps build confidence, expand networks, and provides a trusted source of support, making it a powerful resource for long-term growth and success.
SBU’s Workforce Development Program is a 6-month employment program for youth ages 16-24 who are looking to gain paid work experience and build essential career skills. Through the program, participants develop employment readiness by creating professional resumes, strengthening interview skills, and gaining a clear understanding of how to succeed in the workplace.
Participants attend weekly workshops held from 5:30pm-7:00pm at the SBU Clubhouse and complete training aligned to their selected employment pathway. Participants choose between the Café Fellowship, Education Fellowship, or Coaching Corps, each offering part-time employment either at the Clubhouse Café or within SBU’s youth programming. Participants typically work 5-15 hours per week (up to 30 hours in the summer). Throughout the program, workshops focus on building career readiness skills, and staff provide ongoing support to help participants secure employment within three to five months of completing the program.
The Clubhouse Café (The Clubhouse Cafe) serves as one of the primary worksites, where participants gain hands-on experience as baristas, sales associates, and cashiers. Throughout the program, fellows participate in professional barista training with Devoción Coffee, along with ongoing on-site training led by the Café Manager. Participants learn to prepare a variety of beverages, including espresso drinks, lattes, cappuccinos, matcha, and teas, while building strong customer service skills. Fellows also have the opportunity to earn their Food Handlers Certificate, paid for by SBU. This position is ideal for participants who are interested in the food or hospitality industry and enjoy working in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment.
Coaching Corps members serve as assistant coaches across SBU programming, including summer soccer camps, weekend recreational leagues, after-school programs, and indoor sessions. Throughout the 6-month program, participants receive training from the Community Soccer Programs Manager and have the opportunity to earn a U.S. Soccer Grassroots Coaching License, paid by SBU, with potential to advance further. Coaches develop group management skills, gain experience working with youth, and build confidence in their leadership and coaching abilities.
Education Fellows work directly with middle school students in SBU’s after-school academic programming. Fellows support classroom activities, assist with homework, and lead enrichment projects that promote both academic growth and personal development. Throughout the program, participants receive ongoing coaching and training from the Academy Program Director and other academic staff to strengthen their skills in tutoring, classroom management, and youth engagement. Fellows also have the opportunity to work toward an education-related certification aligned with their professional goals, paid by SBU.
This position is ideal for participants interested in education, teaching, youth development, or mentoring. Fellows are expected to be available at least two days per week, typically between 3:30pm and 7:30pm.
Throughout the program, fellows are paired with a mentor and meet at least once a month to receive guidance, support, and advice. Mentors are thoughtfully matched based on a fellow’s career interests, college major, or specific skills and experiences, ensuring meaningful and relevant connections. These sessions provide support in areas such as college planning, job readiness, career exploration, and any personal or professional challenges fellows may be navigating.
After completing the program, participants transition into SBU’s long-term mentorship network as Alumni. This ongoing mentorship continues on a monthly basis, offering consistent guidance as youth navigate college, careers, and life beyond the program. Having a dedicated mentor over time helps build confidence, expand networks, and provides a trusted source of support, making it a powerful resource for long-term growth and success.
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