Friday, June 20, 2003
The Youth Investment Council (YIC) of the Atlantic Cape May Workforce Investment Board (WIB) has awarded $2 million to local agencies and schools to provide employment and training programs for Atlantic and Cape May County youth ages 14 -21.
The youth who participate in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funded programs will be exposed to a variety of opportunities to continue their education, attain meaningful employment, begin a training or apprenticeship program to improve their current employment status and become successful leaders in their communities. Most of the programs consist of basic skills tutoring, GED classes, community service projects, job readiness, job training and job placement. Additionally the youth are encouraged to seek the highest level of education possible.
The eligibility criteria for enrollment in the programs set forth by WIA include: having a family income at or below the poverty level and/or possessing a barrier(s) to success such as homelessness, involvement in the juvenile justice system, being a teen mother, or deficiency in basic skills, among others.
The out-of-school programs funded include: Atlantic Cape Community College; “Youth Career Advancement Project,” Jersey Cape Diagnostic, Training and Opportunity; “ODOSY,” and the Youth Advocate Program; “Atlantic Cape May Program.”
The in-school programs funded include: AtlantiCare Atlantic City; “Youth Empowerment Through Employment,” AtlantiCare Buena; “Buena Year Round Youth Program,” Atlantic County Special Services School District; “Youth Education & Employment Training,” Cape May County School for Special Services; “The Alternative Way,” Egg Harbor Township Schools; “Eagle Enterprise,” and Eagle Academy’s; “Star Track,” Greater Egg Harbor Regional Schools; “Working Toward Careers,” Jersey Cape Diagnostic, Training and Opportunity; “PREP,” Juvenile Justice Commission; “Youth Opportunities System,” Pleasantville Public Schools; “Education and Employment Training Program” and Sylvan Learning; “Career Starters. ”
The funding for both in-school and out-of-school youth programs is provided by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development funded locally through the Atlantic Cape May WIB.
Those interested in participating in a funded program, may call 485-0052 ext. 187 to determine eligibility.