|
The Career
Education Program at the Santa Barbara County Education Office secured
increased funding for the third year of the YouthForce program, which
provides career training, academic mentoring, and paid work experience
opportunities for youth ages 14 to 21 from low-income families throughout
Santa Barbara County.
Through the YouthForce program, trained adult Career Specialists work
to match each student with a job opportunity with a local employer.
Grant money is still available and interested individuals were encouraged
to apply.
Francisco, a student at Lompoc High School who participates in the program,
said, “You learn how life is — how to work with others and
get along. You learn new skills and how important it is to finish your
work. I can buy clothes for school and help my family with the money.
I always put money in the bank, too.”
Career Specialist AlRay Grossi meets with Francisco to provide projects
that will improve his academic skills and encourage his personal development.
In addition, Grossi monitors Francisco’s work program with Lompoc
Hospital where Francisco has become a valued employee.
“The on-the-job training is exactly what the students need to become
excellent employees,” said Grossi. “The students recognize
the connections between what they are learning in school and what they
will need to know to become successful working adults. The money that
they earn in the process is very important to them and to their families.”
Local employers such as Lompoc Hospital also reap the benefits of the
program. Employers provide job training and work experience for youth,
and in exchange they get great employees, such as Francisco, at no cost.
YouthForce covers paychecks and other costs through funding from the
Local Workforce Investment Board according to the provisions of the
federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998. Through the program, students
earn the current minimum wage rate of $6.75/hour for up to 200 hours
of work experience twice a year.
Alice Down, a resource specialist at Lompoc High, praised the YouthForce
program. “It’s doing wonders for kids. As the students improve
at school and at work, they gain pride and confidence in their abilities.
The program is making a huge difference in the students’ lives.”
Eligibility for the YouthForce program is determined based on income
status and one additional qualification such as basic skills deficiency,
disability, probation status, out-of-school status, foster care system
status, or pregnant or parenting status. Interested individuals were
encouraged to find out how to take part.
Further information on getting involved with YouthForce can be obtained
by contacting Brandon Bruce at Career Education Programs at the SBCEO
at 964-4711, ext. 4480, or by e–mail to bbruce@sbceo.org.
|
News
Release