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Youth Vision Effective Practice

Youth Vision Effective Practice. Example of our current Vision Further developed than other programs Evolving model A good program but not one that is fully developed. In the final analysis, its’ about the staff . The Challenge Program. Youth Construction Training Program

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Youth Vision Effective Practice

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  1. Youth Vision Effective Practice • Example of our current Vision • Further developed than other programs • Evolving model • A good program but not one that is fully developed. • In the final analysis, its’ about the staff.

  2. The Challenge Program • Youth Construction Training Program • Open Entry/Open Exit • 500 hours + of paid work experience construction skills training • 200 hours + of educational training • Focus on leadership and teambuilding skills

  3. Who they serve • Participants are ages 18-21 • 85% of the participants are adjudicated youth • Most are basic skills deficient • Lack support systems

  4. Typical Barriers to Employment • Lack of education • Lack of training • Training programs usually for short duration • Child care issues and cost • Transportation • Lack of affordable housing for working families • Legal and behavioral issues • Substance abuse • Prison record • Available jobs may lack benefits • Seasonal and part-time jobs

  5. Participants are referred: • From various schools • From the juvenile justice system • From previous or current participants within the program

  6. Keys to success: • Building a rapport • Teaching life skills • Establishing work ethics • Academic reinforcement • Ensuring long term success • Modeling appropriate work behaviors

  7. Work Experience • Projects produce a real result that participants can be proud of • Working with staff in a small group and real work settings provide a way to engage the youth • Helps staff to develop a mentoring relationship

  8. Youth Construction Training • Training is held Monday – Thursday • On the job training with paid work experience is offered 21 hours per week • Academic training is offered 4 hours per week on site with a school district instructor • Participants who are ready to obtain a GED / High School Diploma are referred off site

  9. Participants work academically • Basic academic skills are taught and reinforced on-site through incorporating construction math. • Participants are also referred to Adult GED programs • Tutoring to assist with employment testing

  10. Supportive Services are provided • Transportation to GED / High School Diploma Programs • Assistance with obtaining a drivers license • Participants can be rewarded with construction tools and supplies

  11. Construction assignments include timber framing and house rehabilitation

  12. Mentoring is a key component of the program • Staff at The Challenge Program work to build a rapport with each student • Participants can stay in the program for as long as necessary to ensure long term success through employment

  13. Instructors work toward building a bond with each student through mentoring

  14. Teambuilding skills are essential when preparing participants for work

  15. Flexibility is the advantage • Has the ability to adapt to the individual needs of each student • GED Program • Court Dates • Drivers license tests • Advocacy • Participant breaks in service (They come back)

  16. Participants build work ethics

  17. Participants work on projects where there is a visible outcome

  18. Follow-up services are necessary when ensuring long term success

  19. Stronger employer links are needed • High growth occupation, but employers in construction that are willing to take a chance with the “at risk” youth population are needed. • Some participants have passed the carpenters union test but finding sponsors can be a problem • Participants can secure and maintain employment with strong follow-up services

  20. Finding a balance between completing a project and being a youth program • Not economically viable • Many people to please

  21. Partnerships • Vo Tech School District manages the on-site education • Wilmington Housing Authority • Interfaith Housing, Delaware • Board • Various Artisans • Department of Youth & Family Services • Workforce Investment Board

  22. Good Programming Costs • $420,000 per year • 1/3 – WIA/State Blue Collar Funding • 1/3 -Private/Corporate • 1/3 – Earned

  23. Cost Comparison • INCARCERATION / TRAINING COSTS per YEAR: • Ferris $58,000 • Gander Hill $28,000 • Challenge Program $17,500 • Vo-Tech School $11,000 • Public High School $7,400

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