WIA Sponsors Summer Youth Programs

August 31, 2011... WIA funding supported several programs for youth this summer, sponsored by the Bergen One Stop Career Center. For our in-school population, we served 211 youth in four programs throughout the county: Bergen County Special Services School District, Hackensack High School (Drop-in Center), Region V and Ridgefield High School.

These programs offered an array of summer activities. Employment opportunities directly linked to academic and occupational learning work experience is one of the main goals of the WIA youth program.  Worksites are geared to youth occupational goals and labor market data that foster career development and career ladders.  All community work-based experiences are supported by job coaches and teachers who work with business mentors to assist youth in learning about careers on the job and soft skills that are needed to be successful at work.  Public transportation is also incorporated for many youth who may not obtain a driver’s license or do not have the financial resources to purchase a car.  

Staff from the Bergen One Stop Career Center and New Jersey Department of Labor visited several sites to monitor activities and check with compliance. Among the most recent visit was BCSS’ Work Ready Work Now program. “We were very impressed with the site, the students, teachers and coordinators,” commented Vi Pinto Bicocchi, Senior Planner at the One Stop.

Twenty three students and five staff worked at the Englewood Boat Basin which is part of the Palisade Interstate Park Commission (New York/Jersey).  There, students participated in an environmental cleanup of the beach and picnic area.

The team also visited Region V’s Scope Program, and they were impressed with the internship placements. All of the students/interns interviewed spoke very positively about the program and how this will help them once they graduate.   

 The Bergen One Stop Career Center has invited all participants to visit the One Stop once they graduate for further assistance with training and/or finding a job.