1. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY CONVERSATION Waterbury, CT

2. Our Question How do we ensure that Waterbury area youth are prepared to take a productive and fulfilling role in a global society?

3. Our Community Conversation Will help us think about the issues/barriers. Will help us think about how we might address the issues/barriers. Will provide the Bridge to Success Workforce Development task force with information that can be used to develop specific solutions.

4. APPROACHES

5. Approach 1 Waterbury area youth should be helped to find and pursue those areas of learning in which they have special interests and talents.

6. Approach 1: Prepare Waterbury Area Youth for Enrollment in Higher Education/Training Local options Academic requirements Application process Navigation of the financial aid system Transportation

7. Approach 2 Prepare Waterbury area youth for the world of work by emphasizing responsibility, punctuality, positive attitudes, preparedness for and responsiveness to the needs of future employers.

8. Approach 2: Prepare Waterbury Area Youth for Success in the Job Market Basic requirements & expectations Apply course work to real work-situations Computer literacy Resume & interview preparation Good work presentation/habits Mastery of world languages

9. Approach 3 Provide Waterbury area youth with a support system that will help them succeed in higher education/training and/or the job market.

10. Approach 3: Support Systems for Waterbury Area Youth Families Educational Systems Mentors Non-Profit Agencies Local Businesses

11. Waterbury Community Conversation Partners Waterbury Bridge to Success Leadership Greater Waterbury Waterbury Youth Council Naugatuck Valley Community College Post University William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund