Serving the Educational Needs of Our Youth Workforce A Partnership of Cooperative Extension & Workforce Development

The Partnership  The Workforce Investment Act signed in 1998 changed the way we do business – everything from One Stops to Program Measurement.  The Youth Program was the most affected by the new legislation and required new Goals.

The Partnership  Cooperative Extension had a plan – OWS had need. We met, put the plan and the curriculum together, and presented it to the Local Areas at the end of  The contract was developed and signed the first of April 2002.

Parts of the Model Resource Mapping of Youth Services Database Website Development Pilot Project: Delivery of Education/Services for WIA Youth Statewide Work Readiness Skills Curriculum Development

Resource Mapping of Youth Services Component I: Create a comprehensive list of current employment and training services for Nebraska youth, ages

Resource Mapping Component II: Analyze findings of Component I and identify gaps in services available to youth and/or gaps in availability/delivery of services in specific geographic areas.

Resource Mapping Component III: Formulate strategies for youth services which would adhere to the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) as well as meet the needs of youth in rural Nebraska.

Recommendations Web Site Data Base of Providers and Services Provider Agencies and Organizations Involvement of Schools and Educational Institutions

Recommendations Eligibility and Target Population Programming and Curriculum Evaluation and Research

Recommendations Coordination of Activities Youth Involvement Rural Issues

Recommendations Employer Involvement and Training Role of the Local Community Funding Considerations

Database Website Development - Compilation of initial statewide survey into a database - Website development with a searchable database of youth employment and training services - Update database information and revise website -

Pilot Project: Delivery of Education/Services - Six month pilot project, “Phase One” - Two part time Extension Educators

Pilot Project: Delivery of Education/Services - Delivery of Work Readiness Skills curriculum education classes --youth program participants in two regions, four communities - Project evaluation to provide recommendations for Phase Two

Work Readiness Skills Curriculum Development Work Awareness, Career Exploration and Work Experiences Labor Market Knowledge and Job Availability Occupational Information and Job Requirements

Work Readiness Skills Curriculum Development Values Clarification, Personal Understanding and Character Education Career Planning and Decision-Making Job Search Techniques including Resumes, Applications and Interviews

Work Readiness Skills Curriculum Development Survival / Daily Living Skills, including Money Management Positive Work Habits, Leadership and Communication Motivation, Adaptability and Teamwork

Work Readiness Skills Curriculum Development Coping, Problem Solving and Dealing With Obstacles Improving Self Image and Self Presentation Tutoring / Mentoring

Lesson 1: Time Management Total estimated time: 3-4 class periods Objectives: The learner will demonstrate the ability to: Use time effectively. WIA Outcome: 100% completed worksheet showing one week’s time use. Activities: Tracking time. Making Plans

Lesson 2: Money Management Total estimated time: 2-3 hours Objectives: The learner will demonstrate the ability to: Interpret the procedures and forms associated with banking services, including check writing. Interpret interest or interest earning savings plans. Understand their paycheck. Write checks and balance check register. WIA Outcome: 100% completed log of daily expenses for one month. Activities: Daily expense sheet. Complete W-4 form

Lesson 3: Assessing Support Services Total estimated time: 1 hour Objectives: The learner will demonstrate the ability to: Locate and access community services. WIA Outcome: Identify five community agencies and services provided. 100% Activities: Phonebook research

Future Directions Plans underway to develop Pathways to Success: Occupational Skills Exploring Phase Two Expanding Resource Mapping Database