The Youth Council will work with all available public and private resources to build in CENTRAL/ WESTERN Maine a comprehensive, collaborative system of services to:

• Enable young people 14 to 21 years old to gain and advance in productive jobs
• Foster the objectives of the business hiring and developing them
• Provide economic and community development in Maine

Some of the key elements:

Tutorial and Study Skills Training: Offered to encourage youth to complete their secondary education and pursue post-secondary educational opportunities.

Alternative Secondary School Services: Through continued strong linkages with the Department of Education and local school systems, placement in alternative school programs is a key for youth who have not responded to traditional school settings.  In Maine there are many different settings for alternative education, and the quality and flexibility of local schools systems that offer the best chance for success with each youth participant.

Summer Employment Opportunities that are Directly Linked to Academic and Occupational Learning: Summer employment activities are one part of a larger program.  Summer employment is directly linked to academic and occupational learning.  Because many youth are first introduced to jobs through this component, it continues to be emphasizing work maturity and pre-employment skills.  In addition to summer components, youth are provided work experiences that are either paid or unpaid in the private, public, or non-profit sectors.  Regardless of the type of work experience, all are planned and structured learning experiences.  They are designed to help youth understand the need and relevance of academic skills, gain occupational skills, and know how to find employment and advance.

Paid and Unpaid Work Experience: Preparation for unsubsidized employment is the primary focus of the youth program.  The focus begins with the objective assessment and will be the ultimate goal of the individual service plans.  Academic, pre-employment, and work maturity services focus on unsubsidized employment as the outcome.

Occupational Skills Training: Programs for both in- and out-of –school youth are designed to integrate components of work-based learning with school-based learning.  This may be done by connecting students with employers and work or by creating community service activities that link academic and occupational skills.

Leadership Development: Youth Programs include leadership development opportunities as part of the menu of activities in the other nine program elements.

Support Services: Support services that are necessary for youth to participate and complete program activities successfully will be available through the CareerCenters.

Adult Mentoring during Participation and Afterward: Mentoring opportunities with adults provide consistent support and counsel.  The Local Workforce Investment Board Policies for the Youth Program will ensure citizenship and life skills activities in the program menu.

Follow-up Services: All youth enrollees receive appropriate follow-up services for at least 12 months following completion of planned activities.

Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling: CareerCenter employment counselors provide ongoing case management for all youth participants.  Youth will be referred to professional guidance and counseling on an as-needed basis.  Personal problems, drug or alcohol abuse, and other problems that will affect success must be addressed as one of the first steps in the comprehensive plan.  Partnerships with local providers of such services will be developed in the local area of service.