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High School Internship Program:
After participating in the basic workforce readiness training program, high school seniors have an opportunity to participate in a seven month paid internship program. During the academic school year, seniors are placed with a Community Host employer partner to provide an onsite workforce readiness training experience. During the training, participants receive one-on-one mentoring, college awareness and/or campus visit. Opportunities to take the SAT are also available.
Designed for participants who have limited or no IT experience or applicable knowledge. After completion of a rigorous 7-month course, participants will be eligible to sit for the CompTIA A+ Certification test. Achieving this certification gives students and young adults the potential to earn entry level positions in the IT field .
YPD is focused on closing the gap between workforce training and academics to prepare students to enter today’s competitive workforce. The Job Development and Work Experience Program is a paid 6-week summer work program. During the JDWEP pre-employment week, participants attend a comprehensive YPD sponsored retreat that deals with topics such as Sex Trafficking, Domestic Violence, etc. Students are encouraged to set high expectations, institute smart goals, make healthy decisions and prepare for matriculation into mainstream society. Eligible rising seniors and high school graduates are encouraged to complete the Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) admission application at no charge.
Before beginning their summer work experience, teens are taken on a shopping trip to buy clothing to enhance their professional image.
Participants tour campuses of local higher educational institutions. Teens will be educated on the college criteria, application process, scholarships, and financial aid. Eighty percent of seniors in the YPD program will have a plan to enroll in post-secondary education or seek employment.
During the academic year, we equip students with workforce readiness training. This training includes: Attitude, Attendance, Appearance, Ambition, Accountability, Acceptance and Appreciation. Smart goals are infused into all programming by engaging participants in critical thinking practices and high-end workforce practices. Each participant receives a pre- and post-test to establish a baseline, in an effort to accurately track their progress throughout the program.
During life skills retreats, teens have an opportunity to examine past choices and learn about healthy lifestyles (decision-making, prevention, mental wellness and goal setting. Teens discuss mental health issues and know how to set smart goals. Have an action plan for reaching their parenting, educational and career goals.
Doing new things, visiting new places, opening up a world of possibilities as teens have an opportunity to explore new activities.
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