In celebration of National Internet Day today, we’d like to recognize the immense change and innovation that the internet has given to us since the web's first messages were sent on this day in 1969. Yet, as we consider how important the internet is in our lives, there are many who still don’t have access. According to the 1Million Project, 70% of America’s school teachers assign homework that requires access to the internet even though more than 5 million families with school-aged children don’t have home internet connectivity. This is more than a homework gap – it’s an opportunity gap.

Globally, there are currently 71 million employable youth who are out of school and out of work due, in part, to this opportunity gap. Yet jobs associated with the internet and computers continues to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that in the U.S. alone there will be 1.4 million more software jobs than applicants by 2020.

The good news is that you can help close this opportunity gap by volunteering for workforce development organizations that are working with students to help make opportunities to learn and work in technology a possibility for more people around the world.

Here’s what that might look like:

One-on-one mock interviews and resume review volunteer event.

Workforce development volunteer event ideas

Just like in the image above, workforce development is a great cause for companies and employees to align to. Just this month in New York City, Salesforce hosted a Workforce Development Week where more than 50 Salesforce employees worked with over 90 students, ranging from elementary school children to college goers. Volunteer activities in career exposure sessions, resume reviews and mock interviews helped youth with their college and career readiness preparation.

Workforce development volunteer work can happen in many different ways. You can volunteer as an individual or a team (or even with your customers!), or you can focus internally at your company to build your talent pipeline. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Public Speaking Workshop

• Career Shadowing

• Speed Networking

• Mock Interviews

• Resume Review Sessions

• Virtual or Onsite Mentoring Program

An in-person and onsite panel discussion on careers with Salesforce employees and youth from workforce development programs.

Young adults from NPower visiting Salesforce Tower in New York City for Workforce Development Week.

Making an impact through volunteering

You may be wondering how a half-day event or an hour a week of mentoring can make a difference.

The reality is, many young people go into their first job interviews with no idea of what to expect. So even a few volunteer hours to look over a resume or practice interview skills can make a real difference on their ability to succeed.

Here’s what participants in a recent mock interview session at Salesforce had to say about the experience:

“I thought the Salesforce mock interviews were really good for me. My interviewer, Brian, gave me good feedback, such as being more confident and not looking surprised when someone asks me a question, which I felt was really helpful.”

– Kelvin Monje, BHGH of NY Scholar and Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School Class of 2019

“Having the opportunity to receive feedback from industry professionals on our scholars’ resumes, especially as it’s nearing college application season, has provided our scholars with tangible takeaways that they can put into practice immediately and teaches them a skill early on that will set them apart from their peers.” 

– Chelsea Pittman, Development Associate, Boys Hope Girls Hope of New York

Making the business case for employee volunteering

The fact is, the more people we have focused on workforce development, the more people we can help. That’s where corporate volunteering comes in. Businesses are constantly thinking of different ways to engage their employees. Research shows that employees who volunteer frequently are more likely to be proud, loyal, and satisfied with their jobs. Not only can businesses play an important role in closing the opportunity gap, but they can also increase employee engagement and retention.

If you need to make the business case to your manager about why employee volunteering is important, download a copy of this research report by Povaddo and let the data speak for itself.

Ways to help:

If you’re looking to get involved in volunteer work that benefits workforce development, here are three organizations that are seeking volunteers like you:

The Opportunity Network (OppNet) works with students from historically and systematically underrepresented communities in developing their skills, knowledge, and passions to achieve their college and career goals.

[Volunteer with Opportunity Network]

NPower creates pathways to economic prosperity by launching digital careers for military veterans and young adults from underserved communities.

[Volunteer with NPower]

Per Scholas was founded more than 20 years ago with a mission to open doors to transformative technology careers for individuals from often overlooked communities.

[Volunteer with per Scholas]

A few hours of career advice, resume help, and mentoring can make a huge difference in a young adult’s life. Whether you have an hour a week, or just time for a one-off event, consider joining a workforce development volunteer opportunity near you!