Dallas Works Summer Youth Employment Program, Powered by All Stars Project, Reaches Significant Milestones with Transformative Internships and Career Readiness Training

DALLAS, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The All Stars Project, Inc. (ASP), a national nonprofit dedicated to free, high-impact afterschool development for youth in underserved communities, announced today that the Dallas Works Summer Youth Employment Program has reached significant milestones: over 1,000 young people have participated in career readiness workshops in just the last six months, and 220 students have completed paid internships this summer.

The Dallas Works program was relaunched this year under the leadership of Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson, who appointed the ASP as the nonprofit partner to reimagine the city's youth employment initiative. ASP brings a nationally recognized, performance-based approach to youth development, grounded in experience, partnership, and civic engagement. Lynn McBee, Dallas' workforce czar, has played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life, working alongside Mayor Johnson and ASP to advance the program's ambitious goals for youth and workforce development.

This progress reflects the collective efforts of a broad coalition of city agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and higher education partners—and is made possible by philanthropic investment from the corporate and foundation community. JPMorganChase is a lead donor to Dallas Works, providing an investment of $175,000 that has helped ensure the program's wide reach and impact. Special thanks to Michelle R. Thomas, Executive Director of Global Philanthropy, and Shelia English, Executive Director and Senior Banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, for their leadership and commitment. Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT)'s, W.W. Caruth, Jr. Fund, provided a lead $250,000 grant to All Stars Project, Inc. Special thanks are extended to Wayne White, President & CEO of CFT; Robert Kent, Chief Philanthropy Officer; Kerri Briggs, Ph.D., Executive Director, Educate Texas and David Deggs, Ph.D., Senior Director, Higher Education, Educate Texas at CFT, for their partnership and leadership. Dallas Works was also selected to receive a $112,500 grant from the KPMG U.S. Foundation with support from Kim Kesler, Dallas Office Managing Partner at KPMG U.S. and Chair of the All Stars Project of Dallas Board. This grant is part of a nationwide initiative from the KPMG U.S. Foundation.

Additional support has been provided by Accenture LLP; Ashley & Greg Arnold; Bank of America; Brennan Potts & Accelerate Infrastructure Opportunities; Comerica Bank Charitable Foundation; The Addy Foundation; Ms. Gillian Teichert, among others. Collectively, the program has secured $700,000 in private funding.

"These generous contributions from foundations and companies across Dallas are more than just financial support—they represent a shared investment in our city's future," said Chris Street, CEO of the All Stars Project. "Dallas is building a new model for youth and workforce development—one that is setting a higher standard for others to follow. Through this unprecedented public-private partnership, we are able to reach more young people and provide real-world experiences that foster confidence, cultivate professional skills, and open doors to opportunity."

ASP also announced a new partnership with NAF, a national leader in education and workforce readiness. By combining ASP's development-through-performance approach with NAF's network of corporate partners and public schools, the partnership is opening up even more pathways for student success.

This summer, Dallas Works powered by All Stars Project and in partnership with NAF, placed 220 high school and college students in internships at leading organizations including Accenture LLP, AECOM, AMLI Residential, Bank of America, City of Dallas, Dallas College, EY, JPMorganChase, Verizon, and many more. Students gained hands-on experience that is already shaping their academic and career trajectories.

Strategic partnerships with Big Thought, The Commit Partnership, Dallas Citizens Council, Dallas College, Dallas ISD, Dallas Regional Chamber, Paul Quinn College, the University of North Texas at Dallas, and Year Up United have contributed to the program's reach and impact.

As Dallas Works looks ahead, the focus will be on mapping the city's internship ecosystem, aligning partners, and sharing best practices to expand access and drive lasting impact. Dallas is building a collaborative model for youth and workforce development—one that can serve as a blueprint for others.

The All Stars Project and Dallas Works extend their deepest gratitude to all partners and supporters for their commitment to the future of Dallas youth.

About the All Stars Project
The All Stars Project is a national nonprofit organization with over 40 years of grassroots organizing and community building. Using the power of performance, ASP transforms the lives of youth from poor and underserved communities in partnership with caring adults, giving everyone the opportunity to grow. ASP's award-winning programs bring people from all racial, economic and social walks of life together to create something positive, new and transformative for all involved. ASP operates nationally in Dallas, TX, Newark, NJ, Jersey City, NJ, Chicago, IL, New York, NY, the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond—thanks to virtual expansion—with volunteers, programming and partnerships in over 20 states.

For more information about Dallas Works, click here to visit our website.

Press Contact
Jackie Lucas
Vera Voce Communication
978-255-1159
[email protected]

SOURCE The All Stars Project