THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM IS READY TO ROLL!

WE NEED YOUR HELP IN RECRUITING YOUTH WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS PROGRAM!

This program responds to a need for youth employment and youth employment readiness as identified through a yearlong community planning process that began in November, 2011.

This program is for youth between the ages of 16 and 18. Youth who are not yet 16 but will be turning 16 by June 1, 2013 may also participate.

Stage One of the program is the Youth Employment and Leadership Readiness Workshop, which will be held from March 18 through March 22, 2013. (Spring Break) This weeklong workshop will educate youth in the "soft skills" needed for success in applying for and retaining jobs: commitment, deportment, timeliness, appearance, attitude, successful applications/interviews, career planning, and many other issues.

Stage Two of the program consists of support offered to youth who complete the program in finding and retaining summer or part time employment. The Program Coordinator will be recruiting businesses who are interested in employing youth, and s/he will support youth through the application process and while they are employed.

This program is currently receiving funding through the McElroy Trust, the Guernsey Foundation, UNI, and United Way. Operation Threshold will house the Program Coordinator at its offices.

Application forms will be disbursed in the near future. However, if you know of a young person whom you believe would benefit from this program; you may contact us with his or her name. For now, you can send names to Al Hays, at allen.hays@uni.edu. He can also answer questions about the program. Once we have our Coordinator on board, which should be within the next 5-6 days, we will provide that person's contact information for applicants and other inquiries.

This program has the potential to benefit the youth of our community. Please help us make it a success by sending youth our way.

Al Hays, on behalf of the Youth Employment and Leadership Committee *

* This committee includes representatives of Iowa Works, United Way, Iowa State Extension, Waterloo Leisure Services Division, Operation Threshold, UNI Public Policy, and UNICUE.