Youth Vision Effective Practice n n n Example

Youth Vision Effective Practice n n n 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 n n n 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

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

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

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

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

Work Experience n n n 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

Youth Construction Training n n 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

Participants work academically n n n 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

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

Construction assignments include timber framing and house rehabilitation

Mentoring is a key component of the program n n 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

Instructors work toward building a bond with each student through mentoring

Teambuilding skills are essential when preparing participants for work

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

Participants build work ethics

Participants work on projects where there is a visible outcome

Follow-up services are necessary when ensuring long term success

Stronger employer links are needed n n n 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

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

Partnerships n n n n 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

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

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