Why Career Oriented Youth Programs?

In an effort to improve our police department, community, and further our rehabilitation efforts, we have developed a strategy for the $100,000 grant. Our plan includes a dual effort to target youths in the community as they are critical to the success of our city in and country in the future as well as improved training and equipment for our officers. We believe that these are important focuses for our department and can be assisted further by the use of these funds. We have carefully laid out a strategy to follow the grant that the community can understand and that we believe the community will support.

Why Career Oriented Youth Programs?

As young people make the transition into adulthood, they are at very different stages in their education and preparation for entering the work force. Most will accomplish this transition successfully by becoming employed. However up to one-third of some population groups will fail to overcome the obstacles to making that transition. These youth are therefore “at risk” of facing a Iife of criminal activity, chronic unemployment, welfare dependency and other social problems. In short, they may be unable to fulfill their potential to lead productive lives (Smith, Morehouse & Trist, 1988). It has traditionally been the practice of federally funded employment and training programs, including those sponsored under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), to use economic indicators as criteria for participating in career oriented youth programs. In these systems, economic disadvantage serves as the defining measure of “at risk.” However, the following are also accepted as major contributors to risk: dropping out of school, lack of basic academic skills, teenage parenthood, history of substance abuse or a criminal record. The negative effects of these risks create disadvantages such as poor work habits, attitudes and interpersonal skills, which further complicate the transition to productive and steady employment. Opportunities for personal growth are realized by forcing critical examination of self-image, self-identity, and helping youths gain motivation by focusing on their ambitions and identifying their goals. Stressing the importance of education for one’s future and enhancing the number and quality of social experiences beyond the classroom in the community and workplace will increase youths cognitive information about education and occupations. In addition, providing positive relationships with adults can offer exposure to role models and help to build networks of contacts (Smith, Morehouse & Trist, 1988)

Fund Beneficiaries

Career oriented youth programs are used to target troubled youth and to give them a better path in life and to make better life choices. Programs such as career oriented youth programs are designed to teach young teens and children how to use a skill that will keep them focused