TALLER SAN JOSE 16 - 2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Exhibit A About the Program Executive SUIIlIlUlIJ' Taller San Jose (Sl. Joseph's Workshop) is a highly focused, goal-oriented program that targets young adults, ages 18-28, who are caught in a cycle of crime and poverty and need marketable job skills in order to become productive self-reliant adults, TSJ focuses on young people who have dropped out of high school, have been incarcerated or are on probation, and have a background of gang involvement. Many of our students have parented one or more children and suffer from dlllg and alcohol abuse. Since 1995, Taller San .lose has helped over 3,000 young people to restlllcture their lives, finish their education and develop marketable job skills. In 2004, 350 young adults entered TSJ's education and job-training programs. Program outcomes show that 97% of program participants will not be reaITested for violent crime, and that 860Ir, of our students who achieve their program goals will move on to either community college or full-time employment. The program's success in reaching these at-risk young people is attributed to a holistic, relational approach. The values of community, dignity and responsibility are woven into each program and every interaction. Tluough its state-of-the-mi programs in construction, information technology and medical career, TSJ prepares undereducated and unemployed youth to successfully transition into the workforce. Using a combination of intensive classroom instruction, hands-on job training, and a "rea] world" work environment, TSJ focuses on the skills employers require on-the-job. This type of setting assists youth to develop good work habits while providing a structured environment in which to be successful. Altbough TSJ provides programs and services that include all 10 WIA Elements/Services, TSJ wi 1] focus its efforts on WiA. Elements/Services 2-10. Youth who participate in any of the job- training programs and need to complete their secondary education will have access to the educational resources available at TSJ. TSJ reclllits out-of-school youth through a number of methods including: I) Community Outreach Coordinator - a full-time staff member dedicated to recruit efforts, 2) Referrals from students - 65% of cunent students were refened by a friend or relative involved with TSJ, and 3) Referralsfrom community partners including: the Orange County Probation Depariment, the Santa Ana WORK Center, Centennial Education Center, La Familia, OCCC, Youth Provider Network, Daisy Wheel Network, and others. Over the course of the next year, TSJ will achieve the following outcomes: o Recruit and enroll 20 eligible out-of-school youth between the ages of 18-28. o ProVIde industry specific training for all eligible youth in one oftlu'ee areas: construction, information teclmology or medical careers. o Facilitate the placement of 75% of youth into jobs above minimum wage. o 85% of youth will remain employed for a minimum of 6 months. o 1ncrease youth wage earnings by $3,500 or more. o Maintain a 70% credential rate for youth.