75B - PH - CDBG PROGRAM 13-14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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III. PROGRAM(PROJECT DESCRIPTION-DETAIL In the space below, describe the program/project. Include information as to how the program/project will benefit iow-income peopiemousenoics. (max. cnar. zuuul _ The Youth Customer Service Training program will provide youth with job skills that will make them competitive in today's tough job market. Retail jobs offer flexible schedules for youth attending school while providing communication, customer service, sales and management skills. These transferable skills open the door to entry level occupations such as receptionists, front office clerks, bank tellers and other occupations that are stepping stones to sustainable careers. The program will provide pathways to employment for youth by offering employability skills, resume workshops, customer service workshops and referrals to training and education programs, job search assistance, and a youth joblresource fair. The joblresource fair will be targeted for program youth as an avenue to obtain employment. The event will be held at the Santa Ana WORK Center (SAWC) and all Santa Ana youth will be welcome. The SAWC will serve 625 Santa Ana low income youth ages 16-21 eligible to work in the US. Services will be provided at the SAWC, local high schools including High School Inc, and other local community organizations to ensure accessibility of services to all Santa Ana youth, Partnerships will be established with the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, Westfield Main Place Mall, the Santa Ana Auto Mall, and local retailers along the Bristol Corridor and Downtown Santa Ana to identify job opportunities for youth. IV. STATEMENT OF NEED In the space below, describe why this program/project is needed. Include information as to any effects if COBG tunds are not awarded and whether similar programslprojects are available in the community. (max. char. 20C According to the most recent State labor report, nearly 12% of Santa Ana's residents are unemployed. On a national level youth unemployment is estimated at about 17.1%. Youth seeking employment have to compete with experienced adults for jobs. It is important and train today's youth in the skills they will need to be successful in their future careers and guide them into careers that lead to self-sufficiency. CDBG funding would be utilized to fund the customer service training, employability and resume workshops, and the job/resource fair coordination. Similar program are provided through the Santa Ana WORK Center utilizing federal funding, however those programs serve approximately 150 youth per year and. have strict eligibility requirements which do not make them accessible to a large part of Santa Ana's low income youth. CDBG funding would allow those low income youth an opportunity to obtain preparation for the workforce. This program will prepare youth for the labor force to ensure they are able to compete in an environment with 17.1 % youth unemployment (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, July 2012). 3 75B-64