Summer HEAT 2008 Partnering Together to “Help Employ Area Teens” Presenter: Claudia Merkel-Keller January 15, 2008

Summer HEAT 2008 Goal: Governor Corzine’s Public Safety Plan (PSP) will reduce youth delinquency, gang involvement, and gun violence in New Jersey’s cities, by partnering with local government and communities to reduce the impact of risk factors on youth LWD Support: Commissioner Socolow created Summer HEAT, a new summer youth initiative, to Help Employ Area Teens (HEAT) Commissioner Socolow is committed to providing a minimum of 1,000 at-risk youth, ages14-25, with opportunities to gain exposure to different careers and learn the skills that will lead to long-term employment

Summer HEAT 2008 Objectives: To provide at-risk youth, ages 14-25, with valuable summer work/internship experience and help them to successfully transition to the world of work To provide at-risk youth with a minimum of 8 hours of basic skills, career preparation and work readiness training To enlist public and private partners to provide paid and unpaid summer jobs and training To provide a positive experience for both employee and employer To expose at-risk youth to different careers and provide an opportunity to: - Gain hands-on-work experience - Earn a paycheck - Prepare for a future career - Learn marketable skills - Interact with employers - Receive support from mentors - Learn about community resources - Register with the OSCC - Train for a job - Develop financial skills - Gain literacy skills necessary for success

Summer HEAT 2008 Definition for At-Risk Youth: School dropout Basic skills deficient (tests below 8th grade on a standardized test) Below grade level for age Pregnant or parenting Physical, mental or learning disability Homeless, runaway or foster child Offender Low income Needs additional help to complete an educational program and/or secure and hold employment

Summer HEAT 2008 Target Areas: Summer HEAT will focus on at-risk youth residing in the following five (5) target cities: 1.Atlantic City (Pleasantville to be included) 1.Camden 1.Elizabeth 1.Newark 1.Paterson

Summer HEAT 2008 Eligibility Requirements: Must be an at-risk youth between the ages of 14 and 25 Must be legally eligible to work in the United States Must show proof of Social Security Number Should be motivated to work and learn Must be able to attend a program orientation Must be able to participate in a career preparation seminar for a minimum of 8 hours Should be able to participate in a financial literacy seminar Must be able to work a minimum of 20 hours per week for a period of 8 weeks

Summer HEAT 2008 Team Members May Include: Youth Specialist Counselor Interviewer Business Representative or designee Educational Liaison

Summer HEAT 2008 Educational Liaison Under supervision of the One-Stop, assists with all office and field work involved in summer youth employment including training, entry, retention, coaching and evaluation. Responsibilities: Assist with implementation of the Summer Help Employ Area Teens (H.E.A.T.) 2008 Initiative Explain program objectives, requirements and expectations Conduct workplace literacy & job readiness training workshop (Adkins Life Skills Program) Conduct financial literacy awareness seminar (Money Smart) Provide advisory service (coaching/mentoring) to youth who present problems related to employment choice, change or adjustment Maintain attendance records, essential reports and youth files Organize and conduct youth job site visits Monitor youth progress, prepare status reports and complete satisfaction surveys Communicate and interact with state/local team members Answer routine inquiries for information and/or clarification Input statistical data into America’s One-Stop Operating System (AOSOS) Qualifications: Graduation for an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree Teacher certification preferred Desired traits include: (1) self-starter; (2) creative; (3) motivated; (4) patient; (5) flexible, (6) strong communication skills; and (7) ability to multi-task and troubleshoot Able to work from Spring 2008 through August 29, 2008 Must be willing to travel to assigned locations. Possession of a valid NJ Driver’s License and vehicle is required. Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of professional experience in education with emphasis on teaching, curriculum, training, and program development Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with the youth population Must be computer literate

Summer HEAT 2008 Program Components: Pre-Screening: Assessment/EP Program Orientation Training Seminar: 8 Hours Job Readiness Job Matching Supportive Services Financial Literacy Satisfaction Survey for Youth & Employers

Summer HEAT 2008 AOSOS: Will not generate a Common Measure Activity The following three (3) AOSOS activities have been approved for use: 1. Enrolled 2. Local Office Contact 3. Summer Related Employment Opportunities

Summer HEAT 2008 Alternative Plans: State Level – (Plan B) Summer Youth Corps for those youth that are not job ready - limited access County Level – (Plan C) Use of your existing referral process

Summer HEAT 2008 Ms. Karen Kerr Initiative Coordinator (609) Ms. Lynn Logo-Keepers Summer Youth Corps (609) Ms. Shari Walker-Hunt Administrative (609) Ms. Sherie Jenkins Employer Contact (609) Ms. Laura Black Administrative (609) State Level Program Contacts