THE BRIDGE - 2 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

or re-entry into school all youth will attend mandatory Life Skills Workshops including Conflict Resolution/Anger Management (utilizing Stop the Anger Now: A Workbook for the Prevention, Containment, and Resolution of Anger, R Potter-Efron), Financial Management (utilizing Nation Endowment for Financial Education curriculum), Time Management (utilizing Empower Youth curriculum), Goal Setting (utilizes Individual Goal Setting and Decision Making, Points of Light Curriculum) and Job Readiness. All Workshops are taught in two to eight hour modules and participants are expected to attend the workshops series. Workshop information is reinforced throughout the program. The BRIDGE has found that by providing these vital workshops prior to any activity, retention is strengthened; and participants appear to be more involved and take ownership of their education and related activities. Higher Education Information Workshops will provide information and the benefits of transition into higher education. Additionally, youth will be provided with individualized assistance to complete college applications as well as FAFSA applications. Field trips to local colleges will also be arranged for those interested. Workshops on Renewable Energy and Utility Jobs (Wind Solar, Hydro, and Weatherization) will be offered to introduce youth to this high growth/high demand industry. The Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO will provide speakers in all renewable areas to discuss educational and skill sets that will be required for the new "green jobs." Additionally, they will provide opportunities for apprenticeship within the utility industry. Occupational Skills Training will be offered in the Retail and Related Service Industries Career Pathway All occupational skill training will be offered to youth and will be in alignment with their career assessment and ISS. The Retail and Related Service Industries Career Pathway will provide the National Retail Federation Foundation (NRF) Customer Service Training and Certification The NRF training is based on national Customer Service Skill Standards, identified by retail and service employers across the country. The NRF Training and Certification are recognized by the Department of Labor for meeting WIA Youth Certification requirements. The training is 60 hours and incorporates the knowledge and skills used in entry-level to first-line supervisory positions in retail and service industries and is appropriate for high school and older students, including adults, and incumbent, transitioning and dislocated workers. Once the training is completed each participant will be prepared to sit for the proctored Certification test. The 70-question assessment is made up of real-life customer service situations, asking test takers to identify the best courses of action. The test is delivered by computer, is highly interactive and takes just over one hour to complete. Accommodation can be made for youth with disabilities. Successful candidates receive a certificate and a lapel pin and their name is entered into the national certification database. Many companies now recognize the value of this Certification including CVS, Home Depot, Macy's, Athlete's Foot and Toys R Us to name a few. The BRIDGE's Orange Office is and official testing site for the NRF Customer Service Certification. Work Experience, Internships and Job Shadowing may be offered to provide a structured learning experience either in the private for-profit sector, the not-for-profit sector or the public sector. The work experience program is designed to enable youth to gain exposure to the work environment and its requirements by providing them with the opportunity for career exploration, personal growth, and occupational skills development. Incentives will be offered for meeting work Page ~ 8 EXHIBIT A