PROGRAM DESIGN

Eight contractors were selected to design a program to serve youth with Recovery Act funds through “earn and learn” activities from May 1, through September 30, 2009. The contractors represent four school districts, two non-profits, and two public entities. The school districts are: McKenzie, Oakridge, Pleasant Hill and South Lane. The non-profit agencies are Looking Glass Riverfront School and Food for Lane County. The public entities are Lane Community College and Lane County Department of Youth Services (DYS).

All summer youth program contractors are required to include the following in their program design:

Paid work experience in the public sector, either individual placements or crew format

Providers in rural areas are encouraged to develop community service projects that will benefit the local community. Labor-intensive crews are required to include a classroom component providing instruction that directly pertains to the work being done, career pathways, etc.

Paid internships in the private sector involving skill training in specific high growth/high wage occupations

Internships will be designed for those youth between the ages of 16-24 who have a demonstrated positive work history and relevant experience requiring a more responsible position. Placements will be within industries considered to be high-growth and providing high wages.

Targeted industry cluster internships

Proposers are strongly encouraged to develop internships within the Lane Workforce Partnership’s targeted industry clusters (Health Care; Manufacturing; Computer Software Design; Construction Trades; Green/Clean Technology).

Worksite location

Sites will be developed county-wide, with a strong emphasis on serving young people residing in rural areas.

Meaningful work

Placements must involve meaningful work activities so that youth learn valuable skills for future careers and understand the importance of working and earning pay. The Lane Workforce Partnership will provide oversight in this area to make certain contractors meet this requirement.

Work readiness improvement activities

In order for their program designs to be considered for summer funds, providers must include activities leading to work readiness improvement in their designs.

Financial literacy activities

Contractors will also be required to include financial literacy training in their summer programs. The purpose of the training is to introduce young people to managing personal funds, balancing a checkbook, handling credit appropriately, maintaining personal savings, etc.

Paid work activities

Work experience will be paid at the current minimum wage. Internships and work experience positions involving more responsibility for qualified young people are to be paid at a higher rate.

Other classroom components

In addition to work placements, contractors are encouraged to include a classroom component that adds value to the young person’s experience. Possible classroom components could include: Workshops leading to OSHA 10 card, State of the Workforce/career ladders, career readiness, career pathways, etc.

Targeted Recruitment

Services for Latino youth and other youth of color are strongly encouraged.

Program oversight

The Lane Workforce Partnership is the oversight agency for the Summer Jobs and Careers Program and will conduct all pertinent marketing and public relations activities. Providers under contract for this program will refer all requests for news casts, interviews and other public relations requests to the Lane Workforce Partnership.