Welcome to the Youth & Young Adult section of the Region 1 Workforce West Virginia Website.
Youth services will be available in each of the eleven counties which comprise Region 1. Each youth will be provided services from the ten elements based upon the individual's need. Many youth may only require one or two services to ensure some level of success while others may require much more.
1.Comprehensive guidance and counseling, including drug and alcohol abuse counseling, as well as referrals to counseling as appropriate to the meet needs of the youth.Establishing a relationship with participating youth will be essential in order for the youth advisor to be effective. The youth advisor will provide guidance and counseling as the youth removes barriers and achieves established goals. The role of the youth advisor is crucial in the coordination of community activities. When drug/alcohol counseling is required, the youth will be referred to the appropriate organizations in the community which are equipped to address such issues. Back to top.
2. Supportive services. Supportive services may be offered to participating youth to ensure completion of their individual service strategy. These services may include child care, transportation, housing assistance, and other forms of support. Coordination will occur with other community agencies and the Workforce Investment Board to ensure there is no duplication of services. Back to top.
3. Paid and unpaid work experience, including internships and job shadowing. This element will be used to explore career opportunities, learn about employer expectations and gain valuable work skills. Back to top.
4. Alternative secondary school services. It is a main goal of the program to ensure every youth obtains the GED or high school diploma. Whenever it is possible we will work to return out-of-school youth to the public school system. However, youth may be best served in an alternative environment or in Adult Basic Education classes. Back to top.
5. Tutoring, study skills training, and instruction leading to secondary school completion, including dropout prevention strategies. The YES Program will offer study skills training and tutoring to individuals who are experiencing difficulty in Adult Basic Education or in occupational skills training. The study skills curriculum may include: dealing with text anxiety, test taking strategies, study methods, etc. Tutoring may be available on an individual basis. Back to top.
6. Occupational skills training. Youth who may lack the necessary resources may be assisted in obtaining occupation skills training for demand occupations. Materials for class can be provided on an as needed basis if the Individual Service Strategy states they are necessary for success. Back to top.
7. Summer employment opportunities directly linked to academic and occupational learning. The summer youth program will address work readiness issues and provide youth with the opportunity to explore various job choices through actual hands on work experience. Back to top.
8. Leadership development opportunities, which may include such activities as positive social behavior and soft skills, decision making, team work and other activities. These skills will be taught individually or in group sessions. YES will make a cooperative and collaborative effort with advisor/advisee programs, mentor programs, and community organizations to provide leadership development activities. Back to top.
9. Adult mentoring for a duration of at least twelve months: may occur both during and after program participation. The use of adults as mentors has proven to be an effective way to work with certain youth. This service will be coupled with additional components in order to better meet the needs of each youth participating in the program. Back to top.
10. Follow-up services. Follow-up services will be provided to all youth who have completed the program to ensure long term success. In essence the follow-up service is an extension of case management for an additional 12 months. This allows the youth advisor to assist the youth in unforeseen difficulties. Back to top.
