The Workforce Investment Act Title I Youth provides employment and training services to economically disadvantaged youth possessing specific barriers to employment. New Hampshire’s priorities for this funding are for dropout prevention and/or recovery models. Program focus is on comprehensive youth services consisting of ten program elements which can be grouped around four major themes:
- Improving educational achievement (including such elements as tutoring, study skills training, and instruction leading to secondary school completion; dropout out prevention strategies, and alternative secondary school offerings) ,
- Preparing for and succeeding in employment (including summer employment opportunities, paid and unpaid work experience, and occupational skills training),
- Supporting youth (including meeting supportive services needs and providing adult mentoring, follow-up services, and comprehensive guidance and counseling) and
- Offering services intended to develop the potential of youth as citizens and leaders (including leadership development opportunities).
Currently Funded Year-Round Programs
Franklin School District, Franklin High School, School Administration Unit 18
The School to Work Program has played a large role in the decreased student dropout rate at Franklin High School, and it is highly recognized for its positive outcomes. The School to Work Program and Business Program at Franklin High School will continue to combine their efforts this year, with a new program name “Career and Business Exploration.” The proposed program is designed to focus on six areas; Meeting Youth Needs, Youth Development, Skill Development, Involvement of Employers and Links to Local Labor Markets, the Collaboration and Leveraging of Partnerships, and Producing Positive Results.
The Career and Business Exploration Program will serve seventy-five (75) in-school youth, ages 14-21 years of age. The location of services will be Franklin High School and at our retail business, Campus Creations. The eligible population will be one or more of the following, deficient in basic literacy skills, a school dropout, homeless, runaway, or a foster child, pregnant or a parent, an offender, one or more years behind modal grade for age group, below average academic test scores, above average number of absences, on probation, suspended or expelled from school, economically disadvantaged family, lives with one or neither parent, mother has not graduated high school, friends have limited educational expectations, and/or substance abuse.
Training will include 10 Essential Elements; 1) tutoring, study skills, instructions, 2) alternative secondary school services, 3) summer employment opportunities, 4) paid and unpaid work-based learning opportunities 5) occupational training, 6) leadership development, 7) supportive services, 8) adult mentoring, 9) follow-up services, 10) comprehensive guidance and counseling. These elements are taught through course work in; Career Choices/Research, Work-Based Learning Opportunities, Basic and Practical Math, and Practical English, and Operating a Business.
Because the at-risk youth are more successful learners when non-traditional teaching methods are used, the Career and Business Exploration program has created such a method, a storefront business named Campus Creations. The store sells items made by students, teachers, staff, and administration, items such as; crafts, quilts, cards, hats, pocketbooks, and bakery goods. This is a non-profit operation, proceeds are used to improve and sustain the storefront operation. Integrating the program of studies and the storefront operation provides the at-risk youth with a motivated hands-on opportunity of improving and learning educational and employment skill competencies.
The Career and Business Exploration Program will provide and assist each youth with; academic and employment skill training, ensuring opportunities to connect with an adult that will make a difference, breaking down barriers, recognition of achievements, leadership skill building, attaining high school credentials, career goal plans, realizing that secondary-education is a possibility, gainful employment, and helping the youth to realized their own power of choice.
The Career and Business Exploration Program will attain these goals with an integrated collaborative approach with the Workforce Investment Act, Title I, Workforce Youth Council, US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, the NH Department of Education, Franklin School District, Parents, Area Business Partners, and Non-profit Agency Partners.
Contact Person: Patricia Prescott, Franklin High School , 115 Central Street , Franklin NH 03235
Telephone: 603-934-5441, ext 206 FAX: 603-934-7445
New England Farm Workers Council
The program includes academic, training and employment services with supports for skill competency improvement, credential attainment and entering employment. The 10 WIA Elements are at the foundation of the program delivery design.
Contact: NE Farm Workers at 413-272-2299 or sberte@partnersforcommunity.org
NH-JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates)
NH Jobs for America’s Graduates (NH-JAG) will implement a mix of services designed to not only keep students from dropping out of school, but to prepare students for the world of work. Our intent is to assist students with completing their high school diploma or GED. Providing occupational skills training and opportunities to utilize those new skills in the workplace through the delivery of pre-employment and work maturity competencies. The ultimate goal for all students is to provide the learning and training skills needed to maintain long-term employment and build a future career.
The primary goal of this program is to provide students with well rounded knowledge and some hands on experiences and training about the world of work. Through the implementation of the jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Model, NH-JAG’s goal is to improve student achievement in areas of academics, leadership, work and social skills. We will do this by assisting each high school student in graduating from high school and assisting in post-secondary education and/or entering the world of work. For the out-of-school students, we will assist with the GED process if needed and completion of a college certificate program with resources needed so they may enter the adult work with educational and skills based training that will allow each student to succeed in the workforce.
The JAG Model is a program tested and refined by JAG-National since l980. It is designed to provide a mix of services through the employment of a Youth Specialist, who serves as an adult mentor responsible for delivering group and individual instruction in an integrated series of 37 employment competencies and Individual Development Plans (including remediation services, personal guidance, and academic skill development), and establishing a student-led Career Association Chapter that promotes leadership social skills, civic responsibility, group interaction, and future labor market success. In the out-of-school model, students are recruited via presentations made to local school counselors and youth organizations that may be appropriate within the local community.
Classroom instruction is designed to improve employability skills and develop job readiness skills that New Hampshire employers acknowledge are fundamental to success on the job.
The immediate post-program goals include success in the areas of academics, employment and/or post-secondary education and for some the completion of an occupational skills certificate from the Manchester Community College in Manchester. Upon program completion, the Youth Specialist also offers sustained follow-up services throughout the twelve month follow-up phase.
NH JAG sites are:
Dropout Prevention |
Dropout Recovery |
Berlin High School |
NH Community Technical College, Manchester |
Kennett High School (Conway) |
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Laconia High School |
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Manchester Memorial High School |
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Manchester West High School |
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Merrimack Valley Regional High School |
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Stevens High School (Claremont) |
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Woodsville High School |
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Contact Person: Priscilla Parisien, President, NH-JAG, 175 Ammon Drive, Suite 208, Manchester NH 03101
Telephone: 603-647-2300 FAX: 603-668-1627
Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing at Manchester Memorial High School:
The program will provide to hearing impaired youth a wide range of work preparation training including work readiness and academic instruction, leadership activities, transition planning, mentoring and job shadowing.
Contact Person: Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services at 224-1850 or swolf-downes@ndhhs.org
MY TURN, Inc.
Since 1984, MY TURN, Inc. has partnered with public schools and universities, businesses, social service agencies and state and federal agencies, such as the Department of Labor and Education, to provide case management, career guidance, employment skills assistance, and job placement to a very needy population of at-risk youth in Massachusetts and, most recently, in New Hampshire. MY TURN will utilize its highly successful program model, its strong organizational capacity, and its extensive relationships with community-based organizations, state agencies and private businesses to serve l40 youth who are actively enrolled in its programs annually and many more through its follow-up services efficiently and effectively.
MY TURN has an effective and proven education and training model which uses a holistic approach to ensure program participants receive social support and guidance along with the academic instruction and skills training needed to succeed in reaching education, training and work preparation goals. MY TURN’s work encompasses all l0-WIA essential elements and is outcome-oriented with clearly defined measures and goals. Youth in the program are guided through a curriculum that contains six units that cover self awareness; career exploration; employment application and interviewing; resume and letter writing; personal finance and employment retention. Upon completing the units, youth in the program have a quality resume and are placed in a job, training program or two-or four-year college. Program graduates are followed for twelve months after completion of the program to monitor their progress in college, job training programs, or jobs.
MY TURN’s Workforce Development Program for Out-of-School Youth will be co-located with the organization’s in-school program at Nashua High School North. Alternative academic achievement services will be offered through MY TURN’s GED class at an off-site and through MY TURN’s partner in its Workforce Development Program for Out-of-School Youth in Nashua, the Nashua Adult and Community School. NACS offers a high school diploma program.
MY Turn sites are at:
Dropout Prevention |
Dropout Recovery |
Dover High School
Manchester Central High School |
Boys and Girls Club, Nashua |
Nashua North High School
Nashua South High School |
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Contact Person: Cameron Ford MY TURN, INC; 43 Crescent St, Brockton MA 02301
Telephone: 603- 589-6414 FAX : 508-588-1129
SAU 61: Farmington School District’s Project Pride Program Rochester NH
The objective of the Project PRIDE program is to provide student-centered, individual, and competency-based instruction to out-of-school youth between the ages of 18 and 21, Customers will acquire pre-employment, academic and occupational skills training while enrolled in the program. More specifically, customers will receive skills assessments; group and one-on-one academic training, guidance and counseling, leadership development, adult mentoring and a full year of follow-up services. Occupational training will be provided through linkages with post-secondary education and /or advanced training institutions.
To participate in the Project PRIDE program, the following criterion must be met: the client must have identifiable barriers to employment and self-sufficiency. The program is intended to respond to the social, educational, and economic problems faced by youth lacking occupational training and employment skills such as low self-esteem, underachievement, and poverty.
Supportive services including support and referrals, guest speakers and field trips to broaden knowledge of occupational opportunities, as well as class discussion and various group and individual projects are available to each participant. Leadership skills including but not limited to volunteer work in the local community, exposure to voting procedures, and multi-cultural education, are cultivated.
Intensive follow-up is provided for all customers for a period of twelve months. This follow-up program is intended to ensure client success in the workplace and/or post-secondary placement, as well as identifying or helping to solve problems that may occur which present a barrier to successful employment and training. Intervention is provided on an individual basis as needed.
Contact Person: Kathy Condon, The Project PRIDE Program, 33 Hanson Street, Rochester, NH 03867
Telephone: 603-335-1177 FAX: 603-330-3377
Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center (CARES)
C onnecting A gricultural R esources to E ncourage S uccess among at-risk youth is the mission of the Sugar River Valley CARES project. This community-based initiative is designed to meet locally defined needs while increasing the capacity of at-risk youth to lead healthy, safe and productive lives. Program delivery will focus on connecting youth to their community through work-based learning and service-learning projects that link Agriscience education and the New Hampshire core academic frameworks. An extended year agricultural program will provide career and technical education integrated with academic education and school-to-career partnerships. The contextual learning will offer relevance and rigor. Students will have increased opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary of occupational and personal success. The CARES project will provide a safe, educational and enjoyable experience during the summer for youth identified as at-risk for school failure. Daily classes provide follow-up support and academic assistance will occur throughout the school year.
Program Goals focus on:
- delivering a continuum of learning activities that reinforce the core school curriculum & promotes skills development through project based learning
- expanding opportunities for students to practice workplace skills, strengthen relationships and make positive contributions to their community
- maximizing the use of available resources through community partnerships
- creating a safe enriching multi-disciplinary learning environment and
- preparing students to be responsible citizens and valued, productive members of the 21st century workplace.
Program outcomes demonstrating positive gains in school performance, employability skills, self-esteem and community relationships are anticipated. In turn, these positive gains will contribute to the reduction of at risk behavior and the improvement of job preparedness.
Contact Person: Deanna Armstrong, Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center, 243 North Main Street, Newport, NH 03773
Telephone: 603-863-3759 FAX: 603-863-7104
Southern New Hampshire Services, Inc. Youth Empowerment Program
The Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) proposes to recruit 25 adolescents between the ages of 18 and 21, who are most in need and representative of Manchester’s Enterprise Community and surrounding tracts, as well as the outlying areas. Potential candidates for the Youth Empowerment Program will either have dropped out of high school or possess a diploma/GED and meet eligibility and barrier requirements. The proposed project will combine GED and remedial education, provide pre-employment and leadership skills, job shadowing, mentoring, and incentives; and empower students to make individual and wise career choices. The goal of the program is to help at risk youth to transition into skilled employment through solid post-secondary education. The program will feature three demand non-credit certificate programs (Office Occupations, Auto Mechanics, or Basic Electricity) at Manchester Community College; a Licensed Nursing Assistant career training delivered by LNA Health Careers; and offer customer choi9ce of over 30 credit bearing certificate programs offered by the Manchester Community College.
Staff will provide participants with one-on-one tutorial and study skills training, allowing them to proceed at individual learning rates. A personal development component will offer a variety of recreational, social, health and wellness activities designed to strengthen positive relationships between participants and their community. Program participants will be provided memberships to the YMCA free of charge, creating access to resources they otherwise would not be able to afford and creating a health/wellness component of the program. A four-fold approach to mentoring will facilitate role modeling as well as career and personal support for clients, most of whom have not had the benefit of such positive and stable relationships. Project staff will be responsible for the structure and content of activities and workshops under the personal development component, but they will also draw on existing community resources including Teen Health Clinic, Child and Family Services, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, and the Greater Manchester YMCA. Participants will learn to access natural networks of support such as family, neighbors and church, in addition to using formal social services to meet their needs.
The Youth Empowerment Program will fund GED programs, clothing for interviews, car repairs, driver’s license training and cost of license, counseling, emergency housing and other material assistance. In addition the programs will offer incentives for recognizing milestone successes. The Youth Empowerment Program will work collaboratively with the NH Employment Program, NH Works Partners, NH Community Technical College system and other community-based service organizations and local labor organizations to provide education, training, and job placement services. Together we can eliminate barriers for success.
Contact Person: Ronald Giroux, 40 Pine Street, Manchester, NH 03101 Telephone: 668-8010.
White Mountain Regional High School:
The White Mountain Career Academy is designed to increase the academic, work preparation, and interpersonal skills development of our neediest youth so that they have the necessary skill set to successfully earn a high school diploma, training into the workplace, and maintain gainful employment.
Contact: Kim O’Connor: White Mountain Regional High School, Whitefield, NH Telephone: 837-2528.
For additional information on WIA Youth Programs, please contact Bonnie St. Jean at bst.jean@ed.state.nh.us
The NH Department of Education and Workforce Opportunity Council, Inc. are proud members of the America's Workforce Network and of the NH WORKS system, and are equal opportunity employers/programs.
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Relay NH 1-800-736-2694
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