Serving the Educational
Needs of Our Youth
Workforce
A Partnership of Cooperative Extension &
Workforce Development
The Partnership

The Workforce Investment Act signed
in 1998 changed the way we do
business – everything from One Stops
to Program Measurement.

The Youth Program was the most
affected by the new legislation and
required new Goals.
The Partnership
 Cooperative
Extension had a plan
– OWS had need. We met, put the
plan and the curriculum together,
and presented it to the Local Areas
at the end of 2001.
 The
contract was developed and
signed the first of April 2002.
Parts of the Model
Resource Mapping of Youth Services
 Database Website Development
 Pilot Project: Delivery of
Education/Services for WIA Youth
 Statewide Work Readiness Skills
Curriculum Development

Resource Mapping of Youth Services

Component I: Create a comprehensive list
of current employment and training
services for Nebraska youth, ages 14-21.
Resource Mapping
Component II: Analyze findings of
Component I and identify gaps in
services available to youth and/or gaps
in availability/delivery of services in
specific geographic areas.
Resource Mapping

Component III: Formulate strategies for
youth services which would adhere to
the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) as
well as meet the needs of youth in rural
Nebraska.
Recommendations

Web Site Data Base of Providers and
Services

Provider Agencies and Organizations

Involvement of Schools and Educational
Institutions
Recommendations

Eligibility and Target Population

Programming and Curriculum

Evaluation and Research
Recommendations

Coordination of Activities

Youth Involvement

Rural Issues
Recommendations

Employer Involvement and Training

Role of the Local Community

Funding Considerations
Database Website Development
- Compilation of initial statewide survey into a
database
- Website development with a searchable
database of youth employment and training
services
- Update database information and revise
website
- http://deal.unl.edu/wib/
Pilot Project: Delivery of
Education/Services
- Six month pilot project, “Phase One”
- Two part time Extension Educators
Pilot Project: Delivery of
Education/Services
-
Delivery of Work Readiness Skills
curriculum education classes
--youth program participants in two
regions, four communities
- Project evaluation to provide
recommendations for Phase Two
Work Readiness Skills
Curriculum Development

Work Awareness, Career Exploration and
Work Experiences

Labor Market Knowledge and Job
Availability

Occupational Information and Job
Requirements
Work Readiness Skills
Curriculum Development



Values Clarification, Personal
Understanding and Character
Education
Career Planning and Decision-Making
Job Search Techniques including
Resumes, Applications and Interviews
Work Readiness Skills
Curriculum Development

Survival / Daily Living Skills, including
Money Management

Positive Work Habits, Leadership and
Communication

Motivation, Adaptability and Teamwork
Work Readiness Skills
Curriculum Development

Coping, Problem Solving and Dealing
With Obstacles

Improving Self Image and Self
Presentation

Tutoring / Mentoring
Lesson 1: Time Management
Total estimated time: 3-4 class periods
Objectives: The learner will demonstrate
the ability to:
Use time effectively.
WIA Outcome: 100% completed
worksheet showing one week’s time use.
Activities: Tracking time.
Making Plans
Lesson 2: Money Management
Total estimated time: 2-3 hours
Objectives: The learner will demonstrate the ability to:
Interpret the procedures and forms associated with
banking services, including check writing.
Interpret interest or interest earning savings plans.
Understand their paycheck.
Write checks and balance check register.
WIA Outcome: 100% completed log of daily expenses for
one month.
Activities: Daily expense sheet.
Complete W-4 form
Lesson 3: Assessing Support Services
Total estimated time: 1 hour
Objectives: The learner will demonstrate the
ability to:
Locate and access community services.
WIA Outcome: Identify five community agencies
and services provided. 100%
Activities: Phonebook research
Future Directions

Plans underway to develop Pathways to
Success: Occupational Skills

Exploring Phase Two

Expanding Resource Mapping
Database