Press Room
ESD 112 awarded youth contract
Educational Service District 112 was selected by the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council (SWWDC) to provide youth services in Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties for the next three-years. The Council approved the new contract at its meeting last night held in Longview.
The youth services contract, funded by the federal Workforce Investment Act, blends youth development with employment and training activities that focuses on low-income youth from hard to serve populations and youth with multiple challenges such as poor academic standing, dropouts, low-income, court-involved, in foster care and/or with children of their own.
The SWWDC selection committee strongly agreed that ESD 112 provided a program that meets SWWDC's and the Youth Council's goals and objectives, and that ESD 112 was very experienced and capable of providing the proposed services. Several of the committee members whose organizations currently work closely with the program shared accolades about the program staff and ESD 112's ability to successfully serve youth.
The SWWDC has contracted with ESD 112 to provide its youth programs since 1979. With youth centers in both Longview and Vancouver, ESD 112 offers participants a variety of support and training options including drop-out prevention/alternative school, summer employment, paid and unpaid work experience, occupational skills training, leadership development opportunities, supportive services, adult mentoring, follow-up services, and guidance and counseling.
In 2005 Governor Chris Gregoire recognized the ESD 112 Youth Workforce Program's career academies with an award for Best Practices in Workforce Development. The academies combine work experience with job readiness skill development and are offered in various career fields including construction, health care, technology, early learning and hospitality. During the last four years the Academies have served over 400 youth in southwest Washington ? with many of the participants finding jobs directly due to the skills learned in the academies.
Currently the programs feature hands on training, leadership and community service activities as well as support services and educational assistance. More than 400 youth are served annually.
"About a quarter of the students coming into the program are high school drop outs," stated Jeanne Bennett, the program director. "Another 70% need help with reading, writing and math to reach the appropriate grade level. And many of them also cope with serious challenges such as homelessness, court involvement, foster care, disabilities or parenting their own children."
Last year, 113 participating youth earned diplomas while 94 percent completed the program successfully, going on to work or additional education or training. The ESD 112 Youth Program has track record of meeting or exceeding federal and state performance standards.
"ESD 112 has built a strong program that teaches youth about the world of work and what it takes to succeed after high school. Through personal relationships with students and connections to a variety of community resources, the Youth Workforce Program staff has helped thousands of youth over the years complete school, develop occupational skills, and find meaning in work and education. We look forward to continued innovation and service to the youth in our three county area," said SWWDC Board Chair Keith McPhun.