Expanding Freedoms in the Intersections: Bringing Young Women of Color’s Voices to the Forefront in Youth Apprenticeship Practice

Youth apprenticeships have grown rapidly in the past decade, driven by policy momentum. However, gender and racial disparities in the broader workforce are also present within youth apprenticeship models. There is also a dearth of research on outcomes by race and gender, specifically for young women of color. Using narrative excerpts from a larger qualitative study, this chapter proposes a new conceptual framework that uses intersectionality theory and the capability approach to understand the experiences of young women of color in modern youth apprenticeship programs in New York City. The framework aims to contextualize their experiences and identify opportunities for more comprehensive supportive services. We conclude with considerations for policy and practice.