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 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 Participants are ages % of the participants are adjudicated youth Most are basic skills deficient Lack support systems

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Construction assignments include timber framing and house rehabilitation

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

Instructors work toward building a bond with each student through mentoring

Teambuilding skills are essential when preparing participants for work

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)

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 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 Not economically viable Many people to please

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

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

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