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0 <br />2012, the unemployment rate for Santa Ana is 10.8%, compared to 6.8% in Orange County as a <br />whole. <br />A first step for many youth who want to pursue a high-growth and high -demand career is to <br />enroll in college. However, according to EdTrust West, in 2010 only 15% of Latino graduates <br />from Santa Ana Unified School District had taken the A -G course sequence that is required for <br />admission to the California State University and University of California school system. This <br />lack of preparation for college throughout their high school education limits the career <br />opportunities for youth as they transition into adulthood. <br />IV. Barriers <br />The CareerWorks Program will serve 12 WIA eligible youth ages 16-21. There will be priority <br />spots for at least one probation youth, one foster/emancipated youth, and one youth with <br />disabilities. In addition to the community -wide problems stated above, the youth served by <br />KidWorks face the following barriers to employment: dropping out of high school; lacking <br />reliable transportation; struggling with homelessness; having a gang affiliation; lacking school <br />credits to graduate; possessing low levels of literacy and/or numeracy; practicing poor hygiene; <br />lacking necessary clothing, books, or equipment; struggling with substance abuse; and living in <br />poverty. <br />V. State the Solution <br />The CareerWorks Program brings paid work experiences, certification opportunities, and <br />college/career readiness training to youth facing the aforementioned barriers to achieving post- <br />secondary education and/or employment. Youth will receive necessary support to make <br />educational advancements, gain workforce experience, and prepare themselves to be self- <br />sufficient. <br />KidWorks has an asset-based approach to positive youth development. All programs operate <br />from a service model that helps a youth discover his or her strengths and gives the appropriate <br />support and resources necessary to further develop those strengths and overcome barriers. All <br />staff is trained in the Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets in order to promote positive <br />experiences and qualities that help influence the choices young people make and help them <br />become caring, responsible, successful adults. We strive to recognize and build upon the assets of <br />youth, including positive peer influence, community service, achievement motivation, decision <br />making, adult role models, and a positive view of personal future. <br />When a youth enrolls in CareerWorks, the Case Manager will evaluate their needs and the <br />specific barriers they are facing. Participants will benefit from personalized case management <br />and goal -setting exercises. The Case Manager will offer supportive services (i.e., books, school <br />supplies, transportation, work attire, etc.) for youth to be equipped to fulfill their educational and <br />occupational goals. Together they will develop an individual service plan and set manageable, <br />tangible, time -sensitive goals for the youth that will include a combination of the following <br />EXHIBIT A <br />