Collaborative Partner and Program Support for Disconnected Youth: Mentoring and Internships

Reengaging New York City’s (NYC's) Disconnected Youth Through Work: Implementation and Early Impacts of Youth Program. Efforts to reengage disconnected youth in NYC led to the Young Adult Internship Program (YAIP), a targeted subsidized employment initiative for youth aged 16–24 who have become disconnected from school and work. The implementation study highlights successful program execution across provider agencies and high youth participation rates. Impact findings show that program group members were more likely to receive employment and other types of support compared to the control group. The program group was more likely to have worked and reported higher earnings, suggesting improved employment outcomes for youth in the program.

Employers, Young People, and Training and Support. Reliable pathways for youth success remain a paramount concern in today's society. This report examines the Urban Alliance's High School Internship Program, focusing on relevance, participant details, program components, and outcomes. Using mixed-method analysis, the evaluation reveals program success in mentorships, skills training, and work experiences, positively impacting graduation rates, soft skills, and college attendance. Recommendations include refining recruitment, intensifying training and support, aligning with self-sufficiency goals, and connecting alumni to career pathways. To reduce attrition, offering course credit, improving communication with schools, and building earlier and stronger relationships with participants are recommended.

Youth CareerConnect (YCC): Engaging Employers and Workforce Agency Partners. Creating effective collaborations among educational institutions, employers, and workforce agencies is instrumental in fostering youth career pathways. This comprehensive evaluation includes an impact study assessing the influence of YCC participation on high school students and an implementation study tracking program development over 4 years. YCC is a high-school-based initiative integrating academic and career-focused learning to equip students for college and careers. Data were collected through surveys, tracking, and school visits. The evaluation shows stronger employer partnerships with dedicated YCC staff despite work experience and mentoring challenges. Recommendations include establishing program partner and employer liaisons, fostering engagement through advisory boards, addressing internship and mentoring issues, and leveraging agency collaborations.

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• Posted by: India Johnson
• Posted in: Workforce System Strategies