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Workforce Readiness

OPP > Services > Workforce Readiness

Young People need the skills to Earn & Grow

  • Learn how to get and keep a job
  • Soft Skills (problemsolving, team work, communication)
  • Service-Learning Projects
  • Internships
  • Job Placement
  • Stackable Credentials (OSHA-10, First Aid, ServSafe, Retail)
  • Vocational Credentials (CNA, EKG Tech, Phlebotomy, CNC Machinist, Flagger, ForkLift, Guard Card, Welding)

In fy24:

Youth Participated in Career-focused trainings
0
Youth employed and maintained employment
0

Hartford Youth Service Corps

The Hartford Youth Service Corps (HYSC) was envisioned by Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin to address the lack of employment opportunities for Hartford youth.  Since 2016, OPP has partnered with the City of Hartford to implement the YSC.

Members of the YSC will participate in:

  • Paid Service Learning Projects
  • Educational Supports
  • Job Readiness Training
  • Goal Setting
  • Personal Development Workshops
 

Every young person that enters into the YSC is integrated with OPP’s personal development, academic achievement, and workforce readiness services. 

The YSC connects youth to their community through paid service learning projects including

  • Seasonal yard cleanup for Hartford homebound
  • Preparation of non-perishable items at FoodShare events
  • Operation of The Carousel at Bushnell Park
  • Community Garden Projects
  • Hartford Community Beautification Initiatives

… and more!

HYSC impact since 2016

Total Wages Earned by HYSC Youth
$ 0
Community Service Project Partners
0
TOTAL PROJECTS COMPLETED
0
Youth enrolled over 9 years
0

digital dividend

Digital DividEND offers job training, internships, and a potential career path for youth interested in learning how to refurbish computers, which are then distributed free of charge to underserved Hartford residents.

Through Digital DividEND, youth are:

  • Earning a certification in Google IT Support through online courses
  • Gaining on-the-job training and knowledge
  • Given opportunity for an IT internship at Hartford Hospital or Comp-U Tech upon completion of their training
  • Giving back to the community by refurbishing and distributing computers to first-generation college students and senior residents in the Hartford community.

In FY24 Youth earned it certifications
with hands-on experience refurbishing
computers for distribution
0

TESTIMONIAL

I came to OPP because I knew I needed to focus on myself and my future. Within weeks of being at OPP, I started my job at CVS. Since then, I've been able to earn my guard card and I'm excited to start looking into colleges and continuing my education. If you're determined and have the passion, you will succeed!

- Antoine


Key HYSC Partners
















A HYSC Initiative
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Name

Brittany Petrucci

Senior Director of Development 

ext. 7347

Brittany Petrucci joined Our Piece of the Pie (OPP) as Director of Development in March 2026. She is a nonprofit leader with a strong track record in fundraising, strategic growth, and building programs that expand access to opportunity for young people and communities.

Brittany brings extensive experience leading multi-department initiatives, managing complex budgets, and strengthening organizational infrastructure to drive measurable impact. Throughout her career, she has worked at the intersection of youth development, community safety, and systems change, supporting individuals and families navigating barriers related to violence, instability, and inequity. Her work is grounded in trauma-informed, equity-centered practices and informed by research on long-term outcomes related to youth adversity.

In her role at OPP, Brittany leads the organization’s development strategy, advancing efforts to increase philanthropic support, deepen donor and community engagement, and elevate OPP’s visibility. She is passionate about building meaningful partnerships that mobilize resources, close opportunity gaps, and ensure young people have the support and pathways needed to thrive.

Brittany earned her Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Central Connecticut State University and her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Psychology from the University of New Haven, along with a minor in Psychology and a Certificate in Victim Services Administration.