Overcoming the Odds: Young Adult Internships, skill-building, and career readiness for those not pursuing college.
Podcast: The Steve Harvey Morning ShowPublished On: Wed Jan 07 2026
Description: Dr. Christina Dukes Brown. CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic, NJ Purpose of the Interview The interview aimed to: Raise awareness about the Boys & Girls Club’s impact on underserved communities in Paterson and Passaic, NJ. Issue a call to action for volunteers, mentors, corporations, and donors to support youth programs. Highlight challenges faced by marginalized communities and how the Club addresses them through education, nutrition, and character-building programs. Key Takeaways Community Impact The Club serves 1,400 children and teens daily across two main clubhouses and 11 satellite sites. Programs include academic support, tutoring, arts, athletics, and life skills development. Challenges in the Community High rates of homelessness, food deserts, and low literacy and math proficiency (only ~20% literate and ~15% proficient in math in Paterson). Stereotypes and “deficit ideology” that assume poor or minority youth lack capacity for success. Programs and Initiatives Academic Support: Homework help, tutoring, and Saturday sessions. Creative Outlets: Dance, musicals, and arts. Sports & Aquatics: Swimming program praised for breaking stereotypes. Young Adult Support (18–24): Internships, skill-building, and career readiness for those not pursuing college. Call to Action Volunteers and mentors needed to inspire youth. Corporations and entrepreneurs encouraged to provide internships and teach business skills. Donations critical—$4M annual fundraising goal to sustain programs. Dr. Brown’s Motivation Rooted in her upbringing in Jersey City during the crack era. Believes in being part of the solution, not just complaining about systemic issues. Emphasizes building “efficacious spirits” and affirming unique skills in youth. Notable Quotes On Motivation:“I can’t complain about the position of Black and Brown people in society if I’m not going to do the work necessary to support its elevation.” On Stereotypes:“Deficit ideology assumes that if you are poor or minority, you do not have the capacity to be successful. We fight that every day.” On Community Support:“My community got me where I am today… I’m calling on the village to support what we’re trying to do.” On Youth Potential:“No matter where you come from, and no matter what you look like, you have the capacity to become great.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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