Item 15 - Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Formula Youth Funds for Program Year 26-27

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EXHIBIT 3 threshold for Orange County. Of those, 89% were classified as extremely low-income, and 55% lived at or below the Federal Poverty Level guidelines. Of those served, 14%were parents, 15% had been involved in the justice system (limited to the construction pathway, as healthcare roles require clean backgrounds), 30% had experienced trauma specifically related to domestic violence or foster care emancipation, 60% were women, and 96% identified as Hispanic/Latino. Consequently, many participants experience significant barriers that delay their progression toward self-sufficiency. These barriers include lack of childcare, transportation, family instability, unstable housing, food insecurity, abusive relationships, anger management issues, mental/emotional health challenges, substance abuse history, low self-esteem, criminal records, ongoing legal or court obligations, difficulty managing finances, and lack of computer literacy. Addressing the Barriers Faced by Youth: Hope Builders addresses barriers faced by youth by offering personalized support through a structured process focused on improving employment readiness and life skills. The program helps trainees set concrete goals, such as completing a high school diploma, obtaining a valid driver's license, managing a bank account, setting up a professional email account, and avoiding unhealthy relationships, crime, and drugs. The process begins with an intake meeting, where an Employment Readiness Specialist/Coordinator builds rapport with each participant and identifies potential barriers. Using intake data and assessments, the specialist develops two key goals: an IRIS goal, based on the participant's assessment, and a Workforce Readiness goal, co-created with the trainee to address specific needs for employment preparedness. Additionally, the Employment Readiness Specialist/Coordinator leads weekly soft skills classes to help trainees develop essential workplace skills and holds one-on-one meetings to monitor progress. This holistic approach is designed to help youth overcome barriers and achieve long-term success in both employment and personal development. Paid & Unpaid Work Experience Paid & Unpaid Work Experience Opportunities: Hope Builders' CMA program includes a 160- hour externship designed to provide hands-on clinical experience essential for employment as a Medical Assistant. After successfully completing 16 weeks of training, trainees are matched with a clinical site for a four-week, unpaid externship. This opportunity allows participants to gain real-world experience, demonstrate their skills to potential employers, and prepare for job placement. Trainees are expected to maintain reliable attendance, adhere to workplace professionalism, and communicate regularly with both their employer and Hope Builders' Employment Services team. Additionally, the program encourages trainees to take steps toward reliable transportation, such as obtaining a driver's license or creating a savings plan for future vehicle ownership. Throughout the externship, performance is evaluated based on employer feedback to ensure trainees are job-ready and equipped for long-term career success.