More Than Words (MTW), is a leadership and employment training program that empowers youth who are in the foster care system, court involved, homeless or out of school to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business. By working as a team to manage their own retail and online book business, and community space, youth develop leadership, employment skills and self confidence as they prepare for their transition to adulthood. Through real-world, hands-on job training at More Than Words, youth equip themselves for a successful, meaningful and self-sufficient adulthood while simultaneously covering a significant portion of the organization’s budget with earned revenue. At MTW, youth have 2 jobs: learning the skills to manage their store, and the “YOU” job, which involves developing clear goals and transition plans to move through the training at MTW and on to meaningful jobs and college. MTW has an intensive system for tracking skill acquisition, promotions, job readiness, and supporting youth to implement concrete action steps to transition from MTW. Youth continue to receive intensive support after transitioning to other jobs or college to ensure their long-term success.