In less than a year, a Lanham-based nonprofit has helped 17-year-old Jessica Skinner build her resume, as well as her parenting skills and confidence.

"I'm focused. It has helped get me ready for the business world. I'm thankful for the program," said Skinner, mother of 2-year-old Jamari.

Skinner is one of nearly 50 teens, age 15 to 19, who have participated for the last year in Youth Professional Development, an organization that provides job and life skills to youth who are overcoming obstacles such as a teen pregnancy or dropping out of school.

The youth received certificates of completion July 30 at the nonprofit's 10th annual awards ceremony at Martin's Crosswinds in Greenbelt.

The organization's five-week summer work program matches high school student's career interests with available jobs at workplaces the nonprofit is partnered with to help them to gain job experience, skills and confidence. Students are paid $8 an hour by Youth Professional Development. Some students are hired on as full-time employees by their employers.

During the school year, Josie Bowen of Lanham, the program's executive director, and two of the nonprofit's staff members teach county teen parents or parents-to-be at Northwestern High School in Hyattsville and at Bladensburg and Parkdale high schools in Riverdale because they have the highest number of teen parents, Bowen said. The course meets monthly for 90 minutes, preparing teens for parenthood, the workforce or continuing their education.

Bowen founded the nonprofit in 1990 to give back to a population she was once a part of — in the 1960s, at age 17, she was a pregnant teen. In nearly 20 years, Bowen said she has worked with more than 1,500 teens.

"I want to first say to the program participants that we're so proud of you and honored to be able to share this special day with you," Bowen said at the ceremony July 30. "Each year we have new challenges, but God has never ever, ever failed me yet."

Bowen's daughter, Marsha Smalls, serves as the project coordinator.

"Know you have a support system — you can do [anything]," Smalls said.

Skinner, who will begin her senior year later this month at Northwestern High School, worked until July 29 at Prince George's Hospital in Cheverly in the central sterile processing department where she filled orders and stocked the unit among other responsibilities.

"I learned a whole lot. It took me a week to learn what it takes some people a year to learn," she said. "Working helps me a lot. I have money and I don't have to depend on anyone. I can buy my child [diapers]."

Loretta Tabb, the department manager for the central sterile processing department Prince George's Hospital Center, said Skinner was a reliable, dedicated worker.

"She's a very good worker to be as young as she is, and she was a good fit for the department," Tabb said. "I didn't expect this level of commitment and contribution."

Tiesha Holmes, 17, of Greenbelt, the mother of 1-year-old Ajayln, said the program made a positive impact on her.

"I'm further in my life than I would be if I didn't have my son," Holmes said. "I have my GED. I'm in college and I have a job, and I'm only 17. It's not necessarily true that a baby will slow you up."

Holmes works in the maternity ward at Laurel Regional Hospital. Her program ends Aug. 21.

"I enjoy my job — it's what I'm going to [Prince George's Community College] for," said Holmes, a first-year nursing student at the Largo college.

Skinner said the lessons she has learned from Youth Professional Development are invaluable.

"They teach you about the real world and who you are up against," Skinner said.

E-mail Liz Skalski at eskalski@gazette.net.