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OST Workforce Development Program
“It is better to build up a strong youth than to rehab an adult.”
Program Mission
The principle purpose of the Workforce Development Program is to prepare youth in the Washington Highlands, Benning Terrace, and Woodland Terrace communities for the workplace at large. The program provides a practice place and group discussion setting to review,
comprehend, and master the skills required to be a successful worker in today’s employment marketplace. Believing that our district’s southeast community is full of talented, capable, and skillful youth provides a pathway to future employment and self-sustainability. It is pertinent to provide our community’s youth with the opportunity to obtain gainful employment in order to become productive contributing members of society.
Target Population
Our target population consists of youth, both males and females, between the ages of 14-24 that are residents of the Washington Highland, Benning Terrace, or Woodland Terrace communities. Youth must also attend program workshops and sessions during after school hours and occasional weekend endeavors.
Training
While youth are engaged in the program activity, they will participate in group discussions that allow question-and-answer sessions aiding in comprehension and a willingness to commit to the completion of schooling and skills to get a job. Youth also engage in classroom like instruction that addresses workplace conflict resolution, communication, workplace attire, time management, budget management, and other pertinent skills that are useful in the workplace. By supporting the youth, we support the community. When we support the community, we build a brighter world for us all.
Partners
All Workforce Development partners assist us in providing skills practice for the enrolled youth. Our partners aid in interviewing skills, communication skills, and workshop activity for the after school sessions. Our partners attend workshops and inform youth of workplace expectations:
¨ Problem Solving and Negotiation
¨ Stages of Change/Behavior Modification
¨ Internal/External Conflict Resolution
Program Vision
¨ To create youth development, attitude and behaviors that will promote positive actions and reduce negative or illegal behavior.
¨ To provide strong business connections and employment funnels with community businesses and organizations.
¨ To provide skill development in literacy, competence, work readiness, and social skills.
¨ To evaluate awareness and sensitivity in youth around sexism, racism, violence, discrimination and ageism.
¨ To assist in the development of effective communication skills, conflict resolution strategies, negotiation tools, and violence reduction plans.
¨ To provide opportunities to serve others and build self-esteem.
For more information about this program, please contact
Kymberleighe Richardson - OST Workforce Development Program Director
krichardson@ercpcp.org
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