The Youth Programs offered by the Catawba Regional Workforce Investment Board adheres to the 10 WIA required program elements:
1) Tutoring and study skills training
2) Alternative secondary school services
3) Summer employment opportunities
4) Paid and unpaid work experience
5) Occupational skill training
6) Leadership development opportunities
7) Supportive services
8) Adult mentoring
9) Follow-up services
10) Comprehensive guidance and counseling
The following are the youth programs offered:
1. Communities in Schools of Lancaster County - Academic and Vocational Training (Youth Build) for Out-of-School Youth -
Contact Person: Max Melton - Phone: (803) 285-2311, E-Mail: cins@comporium.net
The purpose of this program is to offer a case management program model to provide academic services and employment skills training to out of school youth
in Lancaster County. The program will provide an integrated academic and vocational training curriculum with the combined goal of obtaining a high school
diploma or GED and certification in the construction field. The first two weeks of the program concentrate on group activities for team-building, life
skills and mental toughness as well as providing assessment and treatment for identified needs. The participants then alternate between classroom work and
the worksite. Through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity, participants will be provided job training by allowing them to construct houses under the
supervision of skilled craftsmen. Tutoring assistance will be provided weekly to all participants both in the classroom and at the construction site.
Academic instruction is integrated on the job site with applications in every area of housing construction. The participants will receive training
allowances for their on-site training which is the equivalent of minimum wage. However, their pay is subject to weekly evaluations of workplace attitudes,
demonstrated values and job performance.
The Grantee will also recruit local businesses to offer apprenticeships for participants. Participants will participate in a service learning project each
semester. The project will be organized by the participants and will benefit the community at large.
2. Carolina Community Actions Inc. - In-School Youth Employment Program - Contact Person: Mary Reid - Phone: (803) 329-5195.
The purpose of this program is to provide participants with the opportunity to acquire work experience which will enhance the long-term employability of
youth by providing for successful job retention. Eligible program participants age 14-16 will be provided 150 hours of entry employment experience which
will be consistent with participants' career choices, educational and assessed goals. Eligible participants 17-21 year of age will be placed in internships
where they will receive 250 hours of training in the private-for-profit, private non-profit or public sector. Pre-employment work/maturity skills training
will be provided to all participants who haven't received such training, and work maturity skills training will be incorporated into the internship activity.
3. Rock Hill Adult Education - The Education, Employment, and Training for Out-of-School Youth Program - Contact Person: Sandy
Andrews - Phone: (803) 981-1375, E-Mail: sandrews@rock-hill.k12.sc.us
The purpose of the program is to provide the necessary basic skills needed for out-of-school youth to obtain a high school credential as well as skills
necessary to obtain and maintain employment and/or pursue post-secondary education. Participants will be assessed prior to the beginning of the program
activities to determine reading levels and other areas needing remediation. The program will provide a combination of one-on-one instruction and small
group instruction, utilizing a computer-based curriculum to enable program participants to obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Workplace Essential Skills
will be provided to facilitate eligible youth making the transition into the workforce. In addition, the program will provide intense case management of
all program participants in order to monitor and document progress on a bi-weekly basis and to assess the necessary assistance to ensure that the
participants are moving in a positive direction.
4. Fort Mill School District - Work Integration Networking Transition Center -
Contact Person: Laura Antinoro - Phone: (803) 548-2527, E-Mail: antinorol@fort-mill.k12.sc.us
The purpose of the Work Integration Networking Grant is to provide opportunities for eligible secondary school youth with disabilities to receive academic
and occupational training that will prepare them to enter the local labor force and to earn a diploma (Local issued or WIN diploma). The intent of the
grant is to provide activities that will assess and enhance the current educational needs of each participant, encourage participants to remain in school,
provide training for greater job readiness, assist participants with opportunities for employment, and provide the participants with linkages to other
support services.
During the Fall Semester, participants will be enrolled in classes, which include the following:
(1) Academic enrichment to improve basic skills needed to complete school and to be successful in employment.
(2) Tutoring, study skills training and instruction to enhance skills needed for course work.
(3) Pre-vocational assessment, training exploration, and work behavior development.
(4) Career counseling, personal counseling, and leadership training.
(5) Materials/software to assist participants with completion of Driver's Education.
During the Spring Semester, 19 of the participants will enroll in classes which will provide unpaid work experience, including internships, job shadowing, mentoring, and apprenticeships. Pre-vocational training will continue for those not yet ready for community work experience. Participants who meet the requirements for unpaid work experience will receive a $250 stipend per semester for continuing their education towards gainful employment. The Grantee will develop job sites for those considered ready for unsubsidized employment with job coach support, i.e., those in the 19-21 age group.
