Programs / Signature Programs / Blueprint: Build Your Future
Blueprint
Build Your Future
No experience required. Just show up ready to learn.
A free six-month workforce development program for young people in Prince George’s County. Build real skills, meet real professionals, and walk away with a resume, a portfolio and a plan.
6
Months
48
Sessions
2×
Per week
Ages
16–21
Length
6 months · 48 sessions
Schedule
Twice a week, about 2 hours
Location
[PARTNER SITE], Prince George’s County, MD
Cost
Free, with stipends
K.N.O.T. Pillars
K
N
O
T
About Blueprint
Y-KNOT Blueprint: Build Your Future prepares young people ages 16–21 to enter and thrive in the workforce, or launch their own ventures, through six progressive monthly modules.
Rooted in Y-KNOT Inc.’s trauma-informed, empowerment-focused model, Blueprint is built on the belief that every young person carries unique gifts, and that opportunity is a matter of access, preparation and support.
In high school and planning for life after graduation? See BRIDGE, our postsecondary readiness program for grades 9–12.
Graduates leave with
- A certificate of completion
- A professional portfolio: resume, cover letter, personal brand statement, financial plan and capstone presentation
- Their completed Blueprint workbook
- A $250 completion stipend
- A network of mentors, employers and peers who know their name
Your 6-month journey
Each month builds on the last, taking you from self-discovery to career launch.
Month 01
Soft Skills & Professional Foundations
“Who You Are Is Your Greatest Asset”
- Identifying your personal strengths
- Verbal and non-verbal communication
- Professional appearance and workplace etiquette
- Time management, accountability and goal setting
Month 02
Resume & Job Readiness
“Get Ready. Get Hired.”
- Navigating the job market and your online presence
- Building a resume and writing a cover letter
- Interview prep with the STAR method
- Mock interviews, references and follow-up
Month 03
Career Exploration & Mentorship
“See It. Believe It. Become It.”
- Career pathways overview
- Industry spotlights: healthcare, tech, business and more
- Career panel with guest speakers
- Mentorship matching and networking
Month 04
Financial Literacy
“Know Your Money. Grow Your Money.”
- Paychecks, taxes and budgeting
- Banking, savings and emergency funds
- Credit scores, debt and avoiding financial traps
- Investing basics and building wealth early
Month 05
Entrepreneurship & Small Business
“You Don’t Just Work for the Future – You Build It.”
- Entrepreneurial mindset and your idea
- Market research, business planning and branding
- Social media marketing and basic bookkeeping
- Elevator pitch and business plan presentation
Month 06
Job Placement, Internship & Capstone
“You’re Ready. Now Go.”
- Workplace readiness review and employer meet and greet
- Portfolio development
- Capstone project and presentations
- Graduation celebration and 90-day action plan
What we commit to you
- A safe, judgment-free space every session
- Snacks at every session
- A $10 transportation stipend for each session
- A $250 completion stipend at graduation
- Connections to mentors, employers and internships
- Staff who follow up if you miss a session, because we care
What you commit to
- Attend at least 80% of sessions
- Arrive on time and ready to engage
- Treat every person in the room with respect
- Complete your workbook, resume and capstone project
- Ask for help when you need it
Who should apply
- Young people ages 16–21 in Prince George’s County, MD
- Youth who are unemployed, underemployed or economically at risk
- High school students, recent graduates and young adults seeking career direction
- Youth disconnected from school or work
Y-KNOT Inc. serves all youth regardless of background, housing status, justice involvement or educational history.
Our goals for every cohort
80%
complete all six modules
70%
secure a job, internship or school enrollment within 90 days
100%
grow their financial literacy
100%
graduate with a professional portfolio
Ready to build your future?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. No work experience required.
- Submit your application online, by email to rgibbons@yknotinc.org, or drop it off at our office.
- Hear back from us within 5 business days.
- Once accepted, complete your intake form. Participants under 18 need a parent or guardian’s consent.
- Show up to your first session ready to build.
Next cohort
[COHORT NAME AND START DATE]
Where: Prince George’s County, MD (address available upon request)
When: [MEETING DAYS AND TIMES], twice a week
Cost: Free, with transportation and completion stipends
Questions? Email rgibbons@yknotinc.org
What participants are saying
[TESTIMONIAL FROM A BLUEPRINT PARTICIPANT]
[NAME], [COHORT]
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a job or work experience to join?
No. Blueprint is for you whether you’ve never worked before or you’ve been hustling for years.
Will I get paid?
You’ll receive a transportation stipend for each session and a $250 completion stipend at graduation.
What if I’m still in school?
Great! Many participants are students, and sessions are designed to work around school schedules.
What if I miss a session?
Life happens. Just communicate with your coordinator. You can miss up to 20% of sessions and still graduate.
What do I bring to sessions?
Just yourself. We provide the materials, though a notebook and pen never hurt.
How is Blueprint different from BRIDGE?
Blueprint is our six-month workforce development program for ages 16–21. BRIDGE helps high school students in grades 9–12 build a postsecondary plan across five pathways.
Related programs
Signature Program · Grades 9–12
BRIDGE
A three-tier program that helps every student build a postsecondary plan.
Questions about Blueprint?
Email info@yknotinc.org or call 301-839-YNOT
