[ OUR PROGRAMS ]

JOBS FOR YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

The University Center for Academic and Workforce Development provides educational and vocational training to youth ages 16-21 through its Jobs for Youth Apprenticeship Program (JFYA-P) located in Brooklyn, New York. The goal of this program is to prepare "at risk" youth for entry into employment and higher education.

This program provides educational enhancement, job readiness, counseling and life skills training to economically disadvan- taged youth through an Experience-Based Career Education (EBCE) model which incorporates the U.S. Labor Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) standards. Approximately sixty students are enrolled annually.

Some of the activities that students are engaged in include:

• tutoring in math, science and communication arts;
• preparation for the GED exam;
• preparation of college applications and visiting local campuses; and
• mock job interviews, and preparation of successful resumes.

In addition to serving enrolled participants, JFYAP has helped over 500 economically disadvantaged at risk youth throughout the Brooklyn area who are in need of educational and/or vocational assistance. This program has developed extensive relationships with local schools, businesses and civic leaders. These relationships have enabled the JFYA.P to accomplish the following:

• Create an Advisory Council comprised of representation from the Borough President's Office, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and other business and civic leaders throughout Brooklyn;
• Enhance recruitment by developing relationships with local school principals and other faculty members; and
• Attract prominent guest speakers leading to the development of internships, apprenticeships and unsubsidized employment opportunities.

As the University Center looks to the future, the Jobs for Youth Apprenticeship Program can become the cornerstone for devel- oping responsive training opportunities for at-risk youth.