Work, training, and belonging

Real opportunities to learn, contribute, and move forward.

Five24 creates dignity-first work pathways for young people: a paid first-job pilot for high school students and real-world training for neurodivergent young people.

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A shared Five24 approach

Work should build confidence, skills, and connection.

Our programs pair practical experience with clear expectations, coaching, and education about workplace dignity. Each pathway is shaped around the person, the setting, and the next step they want to take.

Launching in 2026 · Dane County

High School Employment & Work Readiness

A paid, supervised first-job experience for high school students, paired with training in workplace safety, worker rights, professionalism, and ethical employment.

Students will practice

Workplace habits and communication
Teamwork, reliability, and confidence
Worker rights and ethical labor practices
Skills that support long-term career readiness

The pilot begins with Abundant Life Christian School, with planned expansion to Madison East and Madison West High Schools.

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Active · Entering year two

Neurodivergent Work Training

Hands-on training for transitional-age young people with autism and other neurodivergent conditions, embedded in the real storefront and online operations of Ethical Trade Co.

Participants can build skills in

Retail, customer service, and merchandising
Inventory, order processing, and fulfillment
Workplace communication and task management
Resumes, interviews, and self-advocacy

Training is individualized and paced with accommodations from the start. The goal is a bridge to competitive employment, not a permanent placement.

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What makes these pathways different

Learning happens in real community settings.

Five24 connects young people with meaningful work, supportive adults, and a mission they can understand. We want participants to leave with more than task practice: they should have a clearer sense of their strengths, their rights, and their next possible step.

Real workPractice with real responsibilities, customers, products, and teams.

Individual pacingBuild support and accommodations into the experience from the beginning.

Dignity and choiceHonor each participant's strengths, goals, communication, and boundaries.

A bridge forwardUse the experience to prepare for further education, work, or community participation.

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This form is for students and young people, parents or guardians, school staff, mentors, and service providers. You do not need to have every detail figured out before reaching out.

Privacy and care

Please do not include medical records, diagnoses, or other sensitive details in this first form. We will talk with you about what information is actually needed for an accessible, safe next step.