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2015 Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center <br />Youth Employment Program - WIOA Proposal <br />youth can take the final Post Test assessment. All participants will continue with the <br />tutoring sessions if they score under 9.1 level. <br />C. Describe knowledge of the barriers that youth encounter - OCCTAC's primary focus will <br />be youth with disabilities, foster youth, high school dropouts and Homeless youth. <br />OCCTAC realized that there is a desperate need in serving youth who are HS dropouts in <br />addition to foster youth. This data is reflective on the youth we are currently serving <br />during the 2014 — 2015 program year. Out of the 30 youth served, 10 had a disability, 3 <br />were HS dropouts, 4 foster youth, and 3 homeless youth. At least, 9 participants were <br />categorized under one, or more, of those barriers listed, such as poor work history and/or <br />low-income. <br />D. Specify how your organization will address the barriers that youth encounter - OCCTAC <br />WIOA staff is very dedicated (and has been for the past 9 years!) to this amazing program <br />for our Santa Ana youth. We are committed to ensure that all participants overcome the <br />barriers they face in a variety of ways. All youth will be assigned to a TEAM of dedicated <br />staff and passionate individuals who will mentor and assist youth during the entire <br />program year. First, a Case manager will be assigned to all youth to provide mentorship, <br />while also assisting in the attainment of employment goals, such as writing a resume and <br />preparing for an interview. In addition, the participants will also be required to attend <br />monthly job skills/life skills workshops focusing anywhere from employment <br />attainment/retention, to how to improve and change their own personal lives, and the <br />community in which they live! Furthermore, to aid in academic barriers that youth <br />experience, they will be assigned to an Educational counselor who will provide direction <br />and coaching on any academic aspect, such as scholarship writing and enrollment into an <br />institution of their interest. This service is crucial for all youth participating in the program <br />because it will allow them to learn about various academic paths, including vocational <br />training, HS recovery programs and 4 -year institutions, while narrowing down a career of <br />interest and actually committing to a program. In addition, all participants will be <br />provided with tutoring, psychological counseling (if needed), and other important support <br />services. OCCTA's environment is very nurturing, fun and supportive, and provides youth <br />opportunities to maintain a high level of involvement in our programs. WIOA youth are <br />supported emotionally throughout the entire year at OCCTAC, and are provided with a <br />positive and welcoming environment that also encourages youth to partake on various <br />leadership roles within the various programs and activities at our agency. These additional <br />activities provide youth with an opportunity to gain self-confidence, self-esteem and <br />leadership skills, and also experience a safe haven at our center. Our goal is to empower <br />youth and provide a life changing opportunity through this WIOA program! <br />*a:nn11re1 <br />