Ongoing challenges for YouthBuild education programs

How to increase:•The % of students receiving diplomas or GEDs•The % of students completing college or advanced training•The % of students successfully entering the workforce•Resources and opportunities for OSY

Strategies to consider: Gather and utilize student data

•Develop mechanism to accurately track student attendance and skill attainment•Conduct frequent reviews of this data•Utilize current data to set individual goals and to make program adjustments

Strategies to consider: Move beyond GED preparation •Develop partnership with community

college that effectively connects and supports graduates to attain degrees•Convert GED program to Diploma-granting model

Strategies to consider: Extend the period of academic engagement •Longer school day or after-school

program•Summer school or extended school year•Pre-YouthBuild education •Post-YouthBuild education•Multi-year school

Strategies to consider: Align program with local workforce requirements

•Research local growth job opportunities and the skills and credentials that employers look for attainment•Develop training that explicitly prepares students for these jobs

Strategies to consider: Maximize integration of occupational skills training with academic program

• Dedicate staff time to program component integration• Utilize workforce materials in the classroom and have classes prepare for on-site projects

Strategies to consider: All program components focus on graduation, careers and post-secondary education

• All staff meet regularly to review student progress toward graduation.•Student skill development designed into all components•Staff development establishes priority of careers and post-secondary education

Strategies to consider: Engage in larger efforts to get OSY into employment

•Get involved with local and state education reform and “multiple pathways” initiatives•Become an advocate for changes to policies that impact on education and employment opportunities