Young people who participate in SAYA! programs are given the opportunity to explore new areas of interest, to develop strengths, and realize competencies they often never knew they had. Whether it's through producing videos, writing, painting, acting, coaching, or public speaking, young people at SAYA! often discover talents and interests that pave the way for future career paths.

Yet, like most young people seeking to enter the world of work, the South Asian youth who come to SAYA! often lack training in essential skills that are critical to looking for, securing, and keeping a job. SAYA! provides them with job-readiness skills, including how to write resumes and cover letters, interviewing, job search techniques, and instruction in how to prepare for and dress for meetings with potential employers.

SAYA! also equips young people with essential "life skills" they can use on the job-such as responsibility, working well with others, conflict resolution, and time management. Preparing young people for work also means teaching them about their rights in the workplace. As a result of SAYA!'s job-readiness program, potential employers can hire SAYA!-trained youth with the assurance that they are equipped with the key skills that will facilitate their transition from school to work.

To encourage those young people with an interest in pursuing youth work and learning about the nonprofit sector, SAYA! itself employs between four to six youth, providing them with opportunities to learn from its professional staff and contribute to program delivery and development. Volunteers from various professions serve as role models and mentors and SAYA! collaborates with other community-based organizations to provide work experience for youth.