Todays Youth Tomorrows Workforce Burlington County Youth Opportunity
Today’s Youth Tomorrow’s Workforce Burlington County Youth Opportunity Program
The Workforce Investment Board § The Workforce Investment Board (WIB) sets policy and provides oversight for the County’s Workforce Development System, mandated by the State and Federal Government; to address the needs of youth. § The WIB is a partnership of local education, community-based organizations and business leaders working together to ensure the workforce readiness of today and tomorrow’s workforce youth. § The WIB’s Youth Council helps to identify duplication and gaps in services, as well as providing valuable guidance on the provision of comprehensive services to meet the needs of complex youth. The Council meets every other month.
The Youth Opportunity Program (YOP) The Youth Opportunity Program’s Mission is to provide youth with the opportunity for leadership, encourage a sense of personal identity, broaden a young person’s perspective and provide safe surroundings while connecting youth with caring adults.
A Common Vision The Youth Opportunity Program will: § Improve the long-term employability of youth; § Enhance educational skills; § Enhance citizenship skills of youth in a community service environment; § Encourage school completion or enrollment in an alternative setting; § Increase the employment and earnings of youth; § Reduce welfare dependency; and § Assist youth in addressing problems which may impair their ability to make successful transitions from education to work.
Program Elements Offered § Tutoring, Study Skills Training and Basic Skills Instruction leading to the completion of Secondary Education, including dropout prevention; § Alternative Secondary School services or GED; § Summer Work Experience directly linked to academic and occupational learning (i. e. Youth Job Fair) § Paid and/or Unpaid Work Experience, including internships and job shadowing; § Occupational Skills Training (i. e. Job Search, Resume Preparation, Job Referral services, etc); § Leadership Development Activities, which may include community service and peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social behaviors; § Mentoring by a caring adult; § Comprehensive guidance and counseling, which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling; § Support services, such as transportation and child care; and § Follow-up services for a minimum of at least twelve (12) months after completion of the program.
The Leadership Academy § Developed to satisfy most Program Elements, the Workforce Investment Board issued an RFP (Request for Proposal) to create the Leadership Academy. § Resources for Independent Living (RIL), Burlington City, was awarded a two-year contract; November 1, 2009 – June 30, 2011. § RIL’s impressive and specific curriculum content is essential in the achievement of the Youth Program’s Mission and Vision. § There are seven (7) trainings available; not including Community Service Projects.
The Leadership Academy § The older youth enrolled in the Youth Opportunity Program often lack the skills to function independently as adults; while younger youth have difficulties moving ahead in life. § Offering basic life skills and educational training we will reduce institutional placement, pregnancy, assist with obtaining employment and living independently.
Academy Workshops/Seminars/Trainings § § § § Housing and Community Living, Hygiene and Health, Laundry and Cleaning Skills Training, Cooking and Kitchen Safety, Banking and Budgeting, Employment and Study Skills Training, Leadership and Citizenship Training; accompanied by Community Service Projects.
Workshops/Seminars/Trainings Housing and Community Living is an essential part of achieving independence. The specific curriculum includes topics such as: making a phone call, staying organized, manners, how to ask for what you want, goal planning (short and long term), where do you want to live, how do you want to live, where do you go for resources and assistance setting up a house/apartment (i. e. turning on utilities).
Workshops/Seminars/Trainings In a sensitive, reassuring and ageappropriate way, the Hygiene and Health discussions show youth that good hygiene and health is in their control. Topics will include: sex education, drinking, smoking and drug use, hygiene, privacy, good touching/bad touching, dressing appropriately (i. e. weather, occasion), nutrition, parenting, developing healthy relationships, taking care of health needs, dating and understanding abuse (verbal/ physical).
Workshops/Seminars/Trainings Laundry and Cleaning Skills Training segment strives to stress the importance of proper care of clothing and a home environment. Topics include: sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, watering plants, caring for pets, house cleaning, how to make a bed, laundering by hand, reading tags on clothing, separating colors, using the washer and dryer, folding laundry and ironing.
Workshops/Seminars/Trainings With a kitchen onsite, youth will learn proper Cooking Techniques and Kitchen Safety. Youth will prepare meals and will be encouraged to cook for their family at home. Topics will include: setting a table, proper hand washing when handling food, kitchen safety, setting up to cook using the proper tools, using a timer, basic use of the stove, learning about measuring, food storage, food handling, use of electrical appliances and safety, proper cooking terminology, menu planning and reusing leftovers in other meals.
Workshops/Seminars/Trainings Learning how to make proper fiscal decisions will give youth a good foundation for their adult life in the Banking and Budgeting Seminar. Tutorials on different types of accounts will include: checking, savings, money market, stocks and bonds, mutual funds and 401 K. Other topics will include: good credit/bad credit, credits cards, applying for financial aid for college, how to save money, creating and working within a budget, writing a check, making a deposit, withdrawing money, balancing a checkbook, reviewing basic math skills and identify theft.
Workshops/Seminars/Trainings In laying the foundation for successful adulthood, youth will be instructed about the basics of working through Employment and Study Skills Training. Topics will include: types of employment, working with the computer, basic job search, filling out an application, interviewing tips, conflict resolution in the workplace, dressing for an interview/job, successful job attitudes, resume writing, mock interviews, asking for a raise, employment expectations, taking initiative, selling your skills, reading a paycheck, your rights as an employee, job accommodations and effective study techniques.
Workshops/Seminars/Trainings § Leadership and Citizenship Training is a key part of everyday living. Youth will learn to consider, explore and discuss various options to the difficult, real-life situations presented to them on a daily basis. Topics will include: cheating, bullies, dating, parties, parental expectations, siblings, personal responsibilities, goal setting and decision making skills, how to facilitate a group, public speaking, recognizing positive social influences and the importance of voting. § Youth involved in this segment will also participate in Service Project Saturdays (once per month).
Service Project Saturdays § Youth will enjoy working together on a service project that they design. § Youth will vote and elect a leader to assist in the development of their project. The leader will have the opportunity to present his/her ideas to the group about a service project that is personal for them based on a list of organizations that need assistance. § Youth between 14 – 16 years of age must attend this workshop in order to be considered eligible for the Summer Work Experience Program.
Opportunities § Youth will develop a resume based on their experience; while incorporating all of their volunteer activities and knowledge gained through the Employment and Study Skills & Leadership and Citizenship Training segments. § A college/job fair will be arranged where there will be employers, colleges and military recruiters, so that youth will have the opportunity to use their social skills and present their resumes in order to obtain employment or educational opportunities. § Additionally, youth will receive life assistance from experienced adult mentors that will help them achieve their goals.
The Leadership Academy § Workshops are approximately 1 1/2 hours in length and are held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6: 00 to 7: 30 pm. There is a workshop on Saturday morning from 11: 30 am to 1: 00 pm. Service Project Saturday begins at 9: 00 and runs until 11: 00 am. § On workshop days, the Leadership Academy is open beginning at 4: 30 pm and teachers will be available for tutoring. There is a computer lab for homework and job search activities. § The Academy will be open on Friday evenings for youth who would like to engage in fun, positive activities. Youth are encouraged to sign-up for this activity.
Additional Seminars § A Financial Aid Seminar, conducted by Burlington County College, is for older youth entering post-secondary education, whose family does not have financial stability. § Income Tax Assistance is for those older youth who are employed and have never file taxes. § Career Exploration Workshops are offered, such as CPR Certification, Swim Lessons and Community First Aid and Safety. These are necessary preparations for youth interested in a career in Aquatics or the Medical field. § Pet First Aid Workshops are typically held for youth focused on a career in Veterinary Medicine.
Youth Summit § The Annual Youth Summit is an educational forum for teens between 13 and 17 years old. § The Summit provides awareness and instruction on HIV/AIDS Awareness/At-Risk Behaviors, Alcohol and Tobacco, Teen Violence (gangs), Unplanned Parenthood/Risks and Responsibilities, as well as issues of morality and responsibility. § The Master of Ceremonies for 2005’s Be Anyone, Be Anywhere, Be a Survivor was Gervase Peterson from the first season of Survivor.
Summer Work Experience Program § The Summer Work Experience Program is typically for youth 14 to 16 years old that have significant barriers to securing employment, such as learning disabilities or other mental health challenges. § For youth to participate in the Summer Work Experience Program, they MUST attend the Employment and Study Skills Seminar, as well as the Leadership and Citizenship Training and Service Project Saturdays, conducted by the Leadership Academy.
Youth Graduates § Since 2001, over 1, 000 youth have successfully completed the Youth Opportunity Program. § Acknowledgements are given for those who successfully earn High School Diploma/GED or complete Occupational Training, such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Commercial Drivers License (CDL). § Most youth enter College, the Military or Occupational Training upon completion of High School.
Eligibility Requirements § Youth must be between 14 and 21 years of age. § Must be certified by the Youth Development Specialist as economically disadvantaged in addition to possessing at least 1 or more of the following obstacles in order to be eligible for the program: § Basic Skills Deficient – Reading/Math below an 8 th grade level; § High School Dropout; § Homeless, Runaway, Foster Youth (DYFS); § Pregnant or Parenting Teen; § Youth Offenders (any involvement with the Juvenile Justice System); or § Youth with disabilities, severe enough that assistance is required to complete an educational program or to secure employment.
Youth Certification § The Youth Development Specialist with the Youth Opportunity Program determines economic eligibility of youth through parent/guardian’s income (household income/pay stub). § Parents are required to verify residency (utility bill). § Parent/Guardians are required to provide verification of their child’s age (Birth Certificate or Driver’s License) and Social Security Card). § If youth are in a group home or in foster care, a Letter of Support from the program’s director will be sufficient.
Our Commitment… The Burlington County Youth Opportunity Program is committed to prepare of today’s youth for tomorrow’s success. With the provision of the skills necessary to become prepared for academic and employment success, youth will ultimately be rewarded with the careers they want for a successful life.
Important Contacts Youth Opportunity Program Liliam Thompson (609) 518 -4772 Or Barbara Weir (609) 265 -5603 Office Address: Mailing Address: 795 Woodlane Road Mt. Holly, NJ P. O. Box 228 Mt. Holly, NJ
Assuring a Bright Future for Today’s Youth
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