SANTA ANA WORK CENTER STEM YOUTH PROGRAM (3)

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3 business offices, has become an obstacle to entry into apprenticeship and other training programs for individuals who fifteen years ago would have easily found their way into those programs. The Department of Labor's 10-year employment projections show that, of the 20 fastest growing occupations projected for 2014, 15 of them are STEM related. The SAWC goal is to make the youth fully aware of the many opportunities and avenues available to pursue and complete a STEM career and those occupations that may cross over to green collar careers. The STEM workforce pipeline challenge is not just about the supply and quality of baccalaureate and advance degree earners. A large percentage of the workforce in industries and occupations that rely on STEM knowledge and skills are technicians and others who enter and advance in their field through sub -baccalaureate degrees and certificates or through workplace training. Many of our WIA Youth are not aware of their options other than college, and for some this may not be something they are ready for. Our goal is not to discourage college, but to provide options and opportunities through knowledge and WEX. By exposing them to the different possibilities in STEM careers and some green collar careers through work experience, paired with the comprehensive interpersonal and social skills training they will receive from the CTE-ROP Customer Service Academy and the SAWC staff, youth will have the confidence to navigate their STEM Career preparation and future workforce experience or challenges that could sometimes derail their success. Competitiveness in STEM fields requires not just a focus on the skills but on soft skills, work readiness and great internal and external customer service. The supply of those involved in STEM fields from the most complex research and development and leadership positions to production, repair, marketing, sales and other jobs that require competencies built upon STEM need the above basics foundations and great customer service skills to be successful. The STEM Career Program plans to enroll 20 low-income youth between the ages of 16 and 21. Of the 20 WIA eligible youth, 10 will be in -school youth 16-21 years old, and 10 will be out -of -school youth also between the ages of 16-21. The youth that we typically serve come from various population groups, probation, foster, emancipated, homeless, high school dropouts, teen parents, gang affiliated, and youth with disabilities. We don't turn away any population that meets the WIA eligibilities criteria required and those that don't are still provided with quality services by SAWC staff. Over the course of 12 months, the SAWC's goal is to meet with participants at minimum on a monthly basis and if needed weekly or daily to allow the youth to receive the full benefits of the program and address any barriers or problems that need immediate attention. Every youth has his/her own circumstance and we pride ourselves in treating youth individually and addressing their barriers in the same manner. Staff is encouraged to develop a lasting professional relationship with the youth in order to gain their trust to better serve them and provide them the best possible services according to their needs. D. PROPOSED PROGRAM The STEM Career Program plans to enroll 20 low-income youth between 16 and 21 years of age. Of the 20 WIA eligible youth, 10 will be in -school youth 16-21 years old, and 10 will be out -of -school youth also between the ages of 16-21. At least 10% of youth enrolled will be foster youth, youth on probation, and youth with disabilities. The youth that we typically serve come from various populations as stated above and we don't turn away any population that meets the WIA eligibilities criteria required. The SAWC has always made it a priority to market and bring awareness of our services on a regular basis. Our agency is invited and attends community events at the local high schools, family resource centers, non-profit agencies, Social Service Family & Children's agency, special events for youth with disabilities, and our partnering agencies like Employment Development Department (EDD), Santa Ana College and Social Services throughout the year. The SAWC has developed great relationships with agencies that EXHIBIT A