Can You Imagine Teenagers Running Your Social Media Campaigns? Inside the Terrace Kidz Marketing Project

Terrace Kidz Marketing Project: Building Real-World Career Pathways for Young People

At the Salesian Family Youth Center, we are committed to creating opportunities that prepare young people not only for academic success, but for life and work beyond the classroom. The Terrace Kidz Marketing Project was designed with that purpose at its core — to serve as a career readiness initiative that exposes young people to real professional environments, expectations, and responsibilities.

This project is not simulated work. It is real collaboration with real outcomes, where young people are trusted to contribute to an active marketing effort supporting Terrace Kidz. Through this partnership, participants engaged in content creation, social media marketing, event promotion, storytelling through video and digital media, and community outreach.

The experience provided young people with a meaningful introduction to how organizations function, including planning cycles, deadlines, communication systems, creative development, and public-facing messaging. These are foundational skills that translate directly into future employment, internships, and leadership opportunities.

Terrace Kidz, in collaboration with the Salesian Family Youth Center, described the internship experience as engaging and impactful. The program gave participating teens valuable exposure to real-world marketing while also supporting community engagement efforts and strengthening outreach for key events.

A particular highlight of the internship was the leadership demonstrated by intern Alizee, who consistently showed professionalism, preparedness, and a strong willingness to learn. Her reliability and enthusiasm contributed significantly to content creation and marketing deliverables, and she emerged as a strong example among her peers.

The project also supported community events such as the Girl Scouts Mother’s Day Event and the Pop-Up Beaded Jewelry Bar. These gatherings were strengthened by the creativity, promotion, and on-the-ground support provided by the interns. Beyond marketing outcomes, these experiences gave young people the opportunity to see the direct impact of their work within the community.

As with any developing pilot program, important lessons also emerged. Scheduling and participation proved to be one of the main challenges, as many of the young people involved balance school, extracurricular activities, family responsibilities, and employment. These realities sometimes impacted consistent engagement. Moving forward, a more structured framework with clearer expectations, defined schedules, and milestone-based planning will strengthen participation and outcomes for both interns and partner organizations.

We also want to acknowledge Christina Mendoza for her consistent support, responsiveness, and leadership throughout the project. Her coordination and commitment were essential in maintaining communication and ensuring youth remained engaged throughout the process.

We are also grateful to Monica, Eva, and Maritza from Terrace Kidz and Monarch Marketing Group for their partnership, mentorship, and investment in this work. Their collaboration made it possible for young people to learn directly from professionals in the field while contributing meaningfully to a real marketing initiative.

At the Salesian Family Youth Center, we continue to believe that workforce development begins long before a first job application. It begins when young people are given responsibility, trusted with real work, and supported through the process of growth.

The Terrace Kidz Marketing Project reflects that belief in action. It is about preparing young people for real opportunities. It is about mentorship, responsibility, and exposure. Most importantly, it is about creating pathways where young people can see themselves as capable contributors in professional spaces.