The Youth Empowerment Program gives you the training and skills you need so that you can get a better job and be successful.
The Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) are designed to teach young people, ages 16-21, the skills they need to be successful in their future. It has successfully been running since its 2004 launch, serving approximately 950 youth ages 16-21 in the Oxnard Plains area.
What is it?
YEP has three programs to choose from:
- Job Ready Program for high school students
- Job Ready Accelerated Program for youth out of school
- Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Program
Job Ready. Workshops designed for high school seniors to increase preparedness for work- career planning, leadership, interpersonal skills, job search, and team work. Earn up 10 credits towards graduation and $500 for attending workshops.
Here’s what you get in the Job Ready Program:
- Up to 160 hours of instruction in a business environment
- Career days
- Field Trips
- Guest speakers
- Career Launch, an interactive program that teaches resume and cover letter writing
- Help for a year after finishing the program
- Opportunities to earn up to $500 in incentives and hourly pay
You can take the program at one of these four high schools:
- Channel Islands
- Hueneme
- Pacifica
- Oxnard
Job Ready Accelerated. For young adults, ages 18-21, who need assistance with Diploma/GED, vocational training, and/or employment. Earn up to $500 in incentives.
Here’s what you get in the Job Ready Accelerated Program:
- Workshops of work-readiness instruction
- Placement in at least one of five career paths of your choice:
- Employment
- Occupational skills training
- College
- High School Diploma/GED
- Military career
- Career Launch, an interactive program that teaches resume and cover letter writing skills
- Instruction on job hunting, interviewing tips and how to be a great employee
- Career days, guest speakers, field trips
- Tutoring in basic skills
- Opportunities to earn up to $500 in incentives and hourly pay
Live in the Colonia area? Job Ready Accelerated is also offered at the Oxnard Housing Authority in the Resident Services building.
NFTE- Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship is designed for high school seniors who are interested in business and are curious to find out if their business venture is profitable or not. At the end of the program they have the opportunity to present their ideas to be awarded cash prizes. Earn up to $300 and $200 possible if placed in competition.
Here’s what you get in NFTE:
- Up to 40 hours of instruction in a business environment
- Workshops provide training in:
- Setting up your own business
- Thinking like an entrepreneur
- Writing a business plan
- Field Trips
- Guest speakers
- Help for a year after finishing the program
- Opportunities to earn up to $500 in incentives and hourly pay
NFTE is available at the Harriet H. Samuelsson Branch on 7th Street.
What services are offered?
- An Academic & Career Advisor who will mentor you and will guide you in reaching your educational and employment goals.
- Paid work experience with local public and private employers. You can have the opportunity to earn $8/hr and work 225 hours. Limited spaces available.
- Supportive Services- assistance with bus passes, interview clothing, uniforms, exam fees, and vocational training.
What do I need?
- Birth certificate, CA ID or School ID, Social Security card
- Proof of household income and consent from a parent or guardian
- Applicants older than 18 years must have a photo identification
Eligibility Guidelines:
- Youth and young adults, 16-21 years of age
- Meet low income guidelines and possess certain barriers identified in WIA regulations.
- Right to work in U.S.
- Selective Service registration for males ages 18 & older
- Priority given to public assistance recipients and low income households
- Migrant and farmworker youth encouraged to apply.
How do I apply?
If you are interested in being a part of any of the programs, please contact us at (805)483-1118. Or visit us at the Harriet H. Samuelsson branch on 126 E. Seventh Street.
YEP is made possible through the sponsorship of the Workforce Investment Network of Ventura County. An equal opportunity employer/program. TDD/TTY inquires call (800) 735-2929 |
