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Who is eligible and what happens when a youth is accepted to the program?
Youth of ages 14 - 21 who are determined to be of "low income" status (as defined by WIA legislation) and who meet one or more of the following categories are eligible to participate: school dropout; homeless, runaway or foster child; pregnant or parenting; offender; an individual (including youth with disability) who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program or to secure and hold employment. Separate "In-School Youth" and "Out-of-School Youth" programs exist that are designed to assist youth in improving their educational aptitude and employability skills.
Once the youth has been accepted into the program and placed in a job setting, an "adult mentor" is assigned to work with the youth. The mentor's job is to assist the youth with questions or concerns, as well as, be a friend and advocate. Acting as a "job coach", the mentor provides support to the youth through on-site and off-site assistance, and modeling and reinforcing the appropriate behaviors and skills. Mentors work closely with the youth and their employers to ensure that the youth "employees" are learning and performing their job as expected. Mentors will provide continued support and follow-up to all youth in the program.
What are the duties of YouthWorks staff?
The YouthWorks staff is committed to providing youth participants with well organized activities and services that enable them to grow their educational and employment skills and aptitudes.
The staff's activities include planning and coordinating activities and events; efforts bringing together local workforce training providers, businesses, community organizations and other groups to provide services and funding; participating in local career fair to help educate the public about the programs; following up with employers and trainers on the youth's progress; and participating with the youth in fun activities rewarding youth for their hard work and efforts.
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