Review of Career Development Programs Available to Hartford YouthPrepared by: Sharon
Herzberger·Professor of Psychology·Trinity College Prepared for: Asylum Hill
Organizing Project·350 Farmington Avenue Trinity Center for Neighborhoods This report is divided into four sections. First, I list largely school-based or school-initiated programs aimed at providing skills and experience that will lead to educated career choices. Second, I list programs that are not primarily school-based, but have similar aims. The third section contains a list of foundations that sponsor youth career development programs. The fourth section is an appendix with more detailed information about some of the programs summarized in the report and a couple of readings. Despite my intention to review evaluation studies of these programs and to identify their strengths and weaknesses, this information is rarely provided. Unfortunately, few programs follow youth who have participated to determine whether the programs are effective in launching youth into careers. Indeed, almost without exception programs do not track participating youth. Furthermore, no agencies reported gathering data on the experiences of youth as they participated in the programs. Therefore, while program sponsors report that their programs were "useful" or "needed" and that participants benefitted, no concrete evidence to substantiate these claims is available currently. During the course of this investigation, many people suggested that PAVE members (and AHOP, in general) join other efforts designed to accomplish similar goals for youth career development. Specific suggestions include:
SECTION 1: SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMS The nationally-based School-to-Career program is listed first, with other programs following. SCHOOL-TO-CAREER PROGRAMS (Contact: Karen Finder 722-8940) This is a nationwide program sponsored by the Department of Labor and designed to provide career education and training from kindergarten through life. The focus now is on the high schools and the intent is not to train students for a job, but to prepare them more broadly to select and train for a career. The program concentrates on three areas of skill development: (1) academic preparation for careers, (2) employability (resume writing, interviewing skills), and (3) technical preparation (the techniques learned are particular to the career cluster the student selects). In Hartford there are two programs, one ongoing and one in the planning stages. The ongoing program, run in conjunction with the Urban League (contact Page Alvin, 527-0147, ext. 133), provides interested and motivated youth with the opportunity to participate in a work-study experience. Youth must apply through Hartford, Bulkeley, or Weaver High Schools and, after finishing a series of lessons on career issues (e.g., dress, behavior on the job), they are eligible for work-study placement. The proposed program is also run through the schools. Students apply through their classroom teacher. In ninth grade participating students will be exposed to eight career "clusters," including arts and media, business and finance, and construction and design). By 11th grade the students will focus on one cluster and begin to have internships and develop mentor relationships that will enable them to gain experience needed for starting their career. This program combines traditional academic training with the technical training that is so essential for careers now and in the future. School-to-Career Initiatives in other areas:
Karen Finder has expressed willingness to meet with PAVE/AHOP to discuss youth career development and to explain in more detail the purposes of the School-to-Career programs. (See appended material.) TECH PREP (Contact: Carol Brandon 520-7823 at the Capitol Community Technical College, or Karen Finder 722-8940 Coordinator of Career Readiness at the Hartford Public Schools) Opportunity to participate in Tech Prep is announced over the public address system at each school and applications are available in the guidance offices. The program is open to any motivated student. Tech Prep works with 10 area high schools (including all schools in Hartford). When students enroll in this program, they simultaneously become college students at the Capital Community Technical College and, at the end of their high school years, successful completion of Tech Prep will earn them college credit along with their high school diploma. The college credits may be earned in a variety of vocational fields, such as health careers, computer-aided drawing, and law enforcement. Some fields require after-school or summer training as well. For example, students in the law enforcement track work with police officers. Those in allied health tracks earn summer salaries for related summer work. This program has been evaluated in a preliminary manner. During one recent calendar year, 56 of the 57 students in the Tech Prep program graduated from high school. There has been no follow-up to track college success or career placement, but 427 youth have enrolled in the program. CAREER PORTFOLIO (Contact: Karen Finder 722-8940) Beginning next year the three high schools will share a "school-to-career case manager." The person will work with teachers to coordinate career development programs. In addition, as of this year all students in the high schools will be offered career services and will begin to develop a "career portfolio," which stays in the Guidance Office and tracks students' completion of a series of 10 self-paced modules. The modules will teach such topics as how to write a resume, how to dress, and how to interview for a job. ACADEMY OF FINANCE (Contact: Flo Johnson 277-2994 at Travelers) The only formal youth development program sponsored by Travelers is this Academy, which at present is open only to youth at Weaver High School. Youth apply for this program and, if selected, are given paid summer internships and are offered workshops and training in finance, the stock market, and brokerage practices. This is a two- to four-year program designed to prepare youth for careers in financial services and may require that students take related coursework in their high schools. NEW LIGHTS (Contact: Richard Gruber, 527-0147, ext. 3) The Urban League is working on this project at Youth and Family Development Centers located at three public housing projects and at Weaver High School. The Centers will provide a variety of support services to families, among which is career guidance and life skills training for youth beginning in kindergarten. Youth will participate in educational seminars, have contact with adult advisors, and go on field trips. This project is funded by the Hartford Foundation. SECTION 2: NON-SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMS These programs are listed in alphabetical order. BRIGHTER FUTURES FAMILY CENTERS (Contact: Kim Nickse 722-8867) This is a program sponsored by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Four centers will be established in the Hartford area (currently planned for Frog Hollow, Blue Hills/Albany Avenue area, and at Betances School). The centers have contracted with the Hartford school system to provide a variety of services including career development and supplementary education to help people obtain high school diplomas and their G.E.D. The school system will offer 4 hours of educational services each week and the offerings will match the needs of people in the community surrounding the center. CAPITOL REGION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD (Contact: Ruth Howell 522-1111) She reported on the efforts of Mayor Peters, many agencies, and private employers to find funds to develop a summer youth employment program to replace the funds cut from the federal budget. Mayor Peters is committed to finding funds for a program that would hire 1100 teens; the Hartford Police Department is trying to find supplementary funds so that 3000 youth may be hired. The program would be similar to former programs and would offer education and job training. The program will differ, however, in terms of the sponsorship. Ms. Howell reported that only a few agencies will be "brokers" and receive the funding, although the brokers may subcontract to other agencies. COMMUNITY RENEWAL TEAM (280-0100) Their focus is not on youth career development. They have had jobs for Hartford youth in previous summers (youth service, manual labor, office settings), but they are unsure about whether they will be able to offer a similar program this summer. CONNECTICUT MUTUAL (Call 987-6500) Given the merger underway, information about possible programs will be unavailable until May. HARTFORD COURANT (Contact: John Tarpey, 241-6729; or Lievanna Gore 241-6431 for tour) The Hartford Courant offers no special employment programs for youth, but they do offer daily tours that provide an opportunity to learn about careers in the news business. Mr. Tarpey expressed an interest in meeting with a group of youth to discuss career choices and asked that, if a tour is arranged, Ms. Gore be asked to coordinate it with his availability. HARTFORD YOUTH SERVICES CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROGRAM (Contact: Martha Jackson 543-8875) This program will hire 20 interns and will teach them conflict resolution methods. The interns will become peer educators and teach others about conflict resolution. The program starts in February and continues through the summer. The youth hired for this opportunity will be identified through the city manager's office (from the existing applications on file for internship programs). However, Ms. Jackson wants to attract a diverse group of interns and needs more applications from Latino/Latina youth. Youth may not apply directly, but must be recruited through one of the agencies (AHOP is one). INROADS (Call 278-9000) Inroads is a nonprofit organization which recruits students who are seniors in high school or in their first or second year in college for internships in business, accounting, and biology-related firms. Eligible students: Latino/Latina, African-American, or Native-American youth with a 3.0 or higher grade point average. Students accepted for the program attend a "talent pool" weekend, during which they learn employment skills such as how to interview and how to prepare a resume. Then they set up interviews with sponsoring companies (for example, Shawmut Bank, UTC) and are selected directly by the sponsor. Students accepted into the program are given a paid internship during the summer months and, depending upon the sponsor's needs, during school vacations. Students work for the company and attend workshops and training sessions on career development. The Inroads program also provides tutors for students during the school year. ITT HARTFORD (Contact: Jennifer Chamberlain 547-5392, Alicia Hayes 547-5388) ITT Hartford has run a work-study program for 30 years, working with the four Hartford high schools, East Hartford, and Newington. Students with good grades and a good attendance record may apply through their high school. Application involves writing an essay; not all applicants are accepted. Students accepted work a maximum of 17 hours per week during the school year and 36 hours during the summer. They are placed in a variety of departments and take seminars to learn about how to perform well in corporations in America. A special feature of this program is "Toastmasters," which provides opportunities for the students to gain public speaking experience. Students are paid for their work and ITT Hartford awards college scholarships to some of the graduating work-study students. No evaluation of this program has been done. OUR PIECE OF THE PIE (Contact: Alan Mackenzie 296-5068) This program is run out of Southend Community Services, but is intended for all youth in the Greater Hartford area. The program sponsors youth entrepreneurship efforts, which means that the agency provides support for planning and developing businesses run by youth. The agency connects youth interested in starting a business to adult mentors with experience in the area and to college students with similar interests and abilities. For example, they are currently working with a group of youth who are starting a recording studio. They are interested in working with youth from 14 to 25, both those still in school and those who are no longer enrolled. (See appended material.) PHOENIX HOME LIFE (Contact: Wyrot Ward 275-5000) Ms. Ward indicated that the Phoenix has no special programs for youth, except for an internship program involving college students. However, the Phoenix is interested in the Mayor's summer job program and will be cooperating with this. She also indicated that her staff would be willing to offer a seminar for PAVE/AHOP on careers. SOUTHEND COMMUNITY SERVICES YOUTH CENTER (Contact Bob Rath or Alan Mackenzie, 296-5068) Southend Community Services runs a Youth Center in St. Augustin School. The Center hires youth for a 6 week to 3 month stint to work at the Center and to develop a variety of administrative, organizational, and leadership skills. Southend Community Services also connects youth interested in particular career paths (for example, food services) with businesses interested in providing training and a set of work experiences--not just a job). And for 20 years they have run a "youth chore" program in which youth do chores for senior citizens after school. UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD A few years ago they offered a science program for youth in the summer. Nothing is offered now and nothing is planned. SECTION 3: SOURCES FOR PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT FUNDING The following sources were identified through a computerized listing of the Foundation Grants Index. The list was generated by Naomi Amos of Trinity College (297-2010). She looked for foundations that fund programs aimed at career development for youth. Following the name of the organization is an abbreviation for the state in which it is located. All foundations listed, however, have a national focus.
SECTION 4: APPENDED MATERIALS
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