Project ACHIEVE: Comprehensive Program for Out-of-School Youth

1. Welcome! 2006-2007 Project ACHIEVE Program LaGuardia Community College Workforce Education Center – Division of Adult and Continuing Education

2. Agenda/Topics to Be Covered • Program Overview • Who’s Who • Program Policies • Program Activities • GED Test • Parent Involvement • Q & A

3. Program Overview The Project ACHIEVE program at LaGuardia Community College addresses the problems of high unemployment and the unsuccessful completion of a high school program among youth by providing comprehensive academic preparation (GED), counseling, job readiness training, placement, and other supportive services to out of school, unemployed youth. Young adults between the ages of seventeen (17) and twenty-one (21) are eligible to participate in the program. Activities will take place on the LaGuardia campus utilizing all the facilities and resources available to continuing education students.

4. Who’s Who • (In alphabetical order) Main Office Number (718) 482-5340 • Adjoa Gzifa – Associate Director, Family Institute (x5347) • Tyrone Ford – Job Placement Coordinator (x5349) • Albert Curley – Workforce Education Counselor (x5168) • Jay Helfrick – GED Instructor (x5390) • Pamela Judkins – Follow-Up Counselor (x5171) • Elaine Merchant – Program Assistant (x5340) • M’Shell Patterson – Jobs For Youth Coordinator (x5398) • Carmel Cabiero – GED Instructor (x6399) • Oswaldo Valdez – Educational Paraprofessional (x5399)

5. Program Policies • The Project ACHIEVE Program is a full-day, full week intensive and comprehensive program that runs from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. • Daily full attendance is mandatory. • You are expected to be on time. • Inappropriate excuses to leave the program during the day will not be entertained. You are expected to come prepared for class or any other scheduled activity • One break will be given in the morning, any afternoon break is given at the instructor's discretion. • All personal needs must be taken care of during your break and lunch hour. • If you are going to be late or absent you must call the program office.

6. Program Policies • DRESS CODE • As in any school: NO HATS, DOO RAGS, BEEPERS, CELL PHONES, BOX CUTTERS AND ANY OTHER MATERIALS INAPPROPRIATE FOR SCHOOL. • Students will receive a Metro card within two (2) days of official registration. All required documents must be on file in order to receive a Metro card, no exceptions. • Inappropriate attire will not be permitted in the classroom, this includes: TANK TOPS, SHORTS, SHORT DRESSES, HALTER TOPS OR OTHER REVEALING CLOTHING, SLACKS THAT ARE HANGING BELOW YOUR WAIST OR T-SHIRTS .

7. Program Policies • CONDUCT and BEHAVIOR • Our expectation of you is the same as those of your employer or future employer. You will be treated as a mature young adult capable of carrying out and fulfilling your obligations. Therefore, in the spirit of the "Full Value Contract", you are expected to abide by the guidelines of the Project ACHIEVE Program and to behave and conduct yourself in accordance with the rules and regulations of the College. • 1. NO PROFANITY is allowed in this program. • 2. Good manners and RESPECT are expected. • 3. No fighting or arguing on campus or while involved with the Program activities. If there is a problem, please discuss the matter with a staff person. • 4. NO SLEEPING or slouching during classroom activities. Walking in-and-out of class will not be tolerated. • 5. You are expected to complete all classroom and homework assignments on time. • 6. You are responsible for all materials and equipment assigned to you. The materials must be returned in good condition and the equipment treated with care and respect. • 7. Active participation in all Program activities is required.

8. Program Policies • CONDUCT and BEHAVIOR cont… • 8. You are expected to respond when called upon, to respect other classmates, and to listen when someone else is speaking. • 9. You are expected to bring to class, a notebook, two pencils and a ball point pen. • 10. NO food or drinks are allowed in the classrooms or computer labs. • 11. Disruptive, disrespectful or uncooperative behavior will result in a parental conference and possible termination from the program. • 12. Smoking is not allowed in the building. Illegal drugs of any kind will warrant immediate dismissal and possible arrest by the NYC Police Department. • 13. Winter or light coats must be removed for class. Only headwear that is recognized as part of a cultural or religious attire will be permitted in class. • 14. Do not play radios or "walkman" in class or in the vicinity of classrooms or computer labs. Violation of this policy will result in the confiscation of said items. All "walkman' and portable CD players will be turned in to the coordinator and will be returned to you at the end of the day. • 15. Beepers and portable telephones are not allowed. Should anyone need to reach you in the event of an EMERGENCY, they can call the Project ACHIEVE office at (718) 482-5340. The message will be forwarded in a timely fashion.

9. Program Activities Orientation • Students will participate in a one week orientation which discusses the rules and regulations of Project ACHIEVE, the Division of Adult and Continuing Education and the College. A tour of the College is provided so that students can become acquainted with the facilities that they can utilize during the academic year. Academic Skills Preparation • Students will participate in preparation for the General Education Diploma. All academic areas covered on the GED examination are covered during GED classes. Occupational Skills Training • This component of the program provides instruction in Word Processing and Spreadsheet preparation. Career Exploration and Development • Students will be placed at a work experience site based on their interest and ability. Case Management Counseling: • Case Management Counseling is an integral part of the ACHIEVE program. Beginning with orientation, students will be able to see a program counselor whenever the need arises.

10. Program Activities cont… Diversity Training • Students will participate in a number of workshops and field trips providing increased positive, personal and group appreciation of multiculturalism -plays, musicals, dance activities, and films will help to increase students awareness. Community Service • Participants are required to develop and implement a community service plan dealing with an issue or challenge of interest they deem critical in their community. Internships • Once students have identified their career goals, they will be matched with an employer so that they can participate in a work experience relevant to their career interests and goals. Portfolio Development/Career Project • All participants will be required to develop a portfolio that demonstrates progress. It will include: rough drafts, completed assignments, resumes, cover letters, community service plan, essays, and exam scores.

11. Program Activities cont… Unsubsidized Employment • Participants will be assisted in a job search to secure unsubsidized employment upon program completion. Supportive Services • All students will be provided with supportive services throughout the program. Including referrals for child care, medical services, substance abuse, HIV counseling, and violence prevention services.

12. GED Test It is important for students to understand that not everyone will be eligible to take the GED examination at the completion of this program. To be eligible to take the exam, you must meet one of the following criteria: • be at least nineteen (19) years of age on the day of the exam. • be at least seventeen (17) years of age and have been out of school with an official discharge letter for at least six months on the day of the exam. • your high school class has graduated. • completed the GED preparation course • score at least 500 on the GED predictor. Eligible students will be scheduled to take the GED exam at the appropriate time. The GED exam consists of five (5) tests in the areas of Language Arts(Reading and Writing), Social Studies, Science,, and Mathematics. The questions in each of these tests require you to use general knowledge and thinking skills. Few questions ask about facts, details or definitions.

13. Parent Involvement • Parental education and involvement plays a critical role in the design of Project ACHIEVE students. Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate in the program by attending activities and providing meaningful support and encouragement. • Attend Parent/Teacher/Program Conferences • Participate in Parent Educational Meetings • Volunteer time and skills to Program • Support students academically

14. Q&A • Invite questions from parents/students