Keyarah Watson
Director of Communications and Digital Media
Mayor’s Office of Employment Development
Keyarah.Watson@BaltimoreCity.gov
The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development Celebrates 10 Years of Support from Sagamore Ventures for YouthWorks
Baltimore, MD – The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED) proudly celebrates 10 years of philanthropic support from Sagamore Ventures for the YouthWorks program. Over the past decade, Sagamore Ventures, the family office of Kevin Plank, Founder and CEO of Under Armour, has contributed $2 million to YouthWorks, demonstrating a sustained commitment to Baltimore’s future workforce and the city’s next generation of leaders.
More than 92,000 young people have been offered YouthWorks jobs in the past decade. Sagamore Ventures’ support, along with other private partners, has expanded access to opportunities that allow young people to explore industries, build critical workforce skills, and prepare for long-term success.
“Baltimore is full of talented, determined young people and, together with YouthWorks, we are proud to help create pathways for young people to gain experience, build confidence, and shape the future of our city,” said Kevin Plank. “More than a training program, YouthWorks represents a critical investment in our global future — supporting the development of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs of tomorrow.”
For more than 50 years, the YouthWorks program has placed Baltimore teens and young adults, ages 14 to 21, in employment across a wide range of industries. YouthWorks participants gain valuable experience through placements with private businesses, nonprofits, city and state agencies, and government employers. Each five-week summer session provides young people with a paycheck, professional mentoring, and career-specific training, helping them build confidence and skills that carry forward into adulthood.
Sagamore Ventures’ continued investment not only helps sustain YouthWorks but also inspires other businesses to take part in shaping the workforce of tomorrow. This type of long-term partnership highlights how private sector collaboration strengthens Baltimore’s economy while creating meaningful opportunities for its young residents.
"Participating in Youthworks is a life changing experience for so many of our young people," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "The last decade has been one of incredible growth, not just for the program, but for the tens of thousands of participants who have gained work experience, learned important skills, and found their passion for service—all while earning a paycheck! I am so grateful to Kevin and the entire Sagamore Ventures team for their ongoing support, and look forward to the next decade of growth for the Youthworks program."
MOED remains committed to supporting YouthWorks through strong employer partnerships, innovative programming, and a shared belief that every young person deserves a chance to explore their potential and thrive in the workplace. With Sagamore Ventures’ support and the contributions of hundreds of other employers each summer, YouthWorks continues to serve as one of the city’s most impactful workforce development programs.
"YouthWorks is a critical investment in Baltimore’s future workforce. Each year, thousands of young people gain real-world experience, build essential skills, and discover their potential through meaningful employment,” said MacKenzie Garvin, Esq., Director of the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development. “The continued success of this program underscores the importance of strong public and private partnerships. When businesses invest in our youth, they are investing in the long-term strength and competitiveness of our city. Together, we are advancing the development of a workforce prepared to meet the demands of the future."
To learn how to support YouthWorks, businesses should go to youthworks.oedworks.com
About the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development
The Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Employment Development (MOED) is committed to empowering Baltimore residents and businesses through job placement, training programs, and support services. MOED. Our mission is to promote economic justice in Baltimore City by connecting individuals with meaningful employment opportunities and businesses with the city's brightest talent.
About Sagamore Ventures
Sagamore Ventures is a privately-held investment company with diversified holdings that include commercial real estate, hospitality, food and beverage, and venture capital. The company is based in Baltimore, MD, and serves as the family office of Kevin A. Plank, Founder and CEO of Under Armour, Inc. Key investment holdings include Sagamore Spirit and a major equity stake in the Baltimore Peninsula redevelopment in South Baltimore.
The mission of Sagamore Ventures is to execute the initiatives of the Plank Family, support the growth of our investments, and contribute to economic development and opportunity in Baltimore City.
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