YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS

MISSION STATEMENT: Youth Development Corporation will assist youth with their self-development by providing guidance toward a meaningful self-reliant future.

The main purpose of Youth Development Corporation is to help prepare young people for the world of work and assist them in realizing educational and employment goals.  This is accomplished by means of two types of programs:

a)  Youth Employment Service

b)  Things to Avoing in Job Hunting Workshop

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (Y.E.S.)

Y.E.S. has two program components:  a) individual employment services;  and b) one hour group workshop.

a)  Individual Services

Eligibility Requirements:

*  16 to 21 years of age

*  ability to come to YDC office for intake and services, as needed

*  payment of $25 fee; $15 scholarship available to low income individuals

The Y.E.S. Program (individual services) was designed to meet the employment needs of 16 to 21 year olds.  In addition to weekly job leads, this program provides pre-employment skills training.  Participants are instructed in useful job searching techniques, application preparation, interview questions, resume and cover letter writing, on-the-job behavior and job retention.  Additional services include educational guidance, career exporation and goal-setting, counseling and referral to other resources within the community.  A partial refund is possible if, through program participation, no job is attained in 60 days.  The success rate in 2001 was 97%.

b) Things to Avoid in Job Hunting Workshop

Eligibility Requirements:

*  14 to 21 years of age

One hour workshop covering the most often made mistakes in job hunting and general job hunting tips.  This is offered as a community service to area schools, courts, youth agencies, churches, etc.

SPARTAN FRIENDS

YOUTH MENTORING PROGRAM

Purpose

To match middle school students with college students or community volunteers in a mentoring relationship designed to improve 80% of the participants' grades and attendance as well as raise their self-worth.

Eligibility

Enrollment in the Mentoring Program is open to at-risk 10 to 15 year olds.  Youth must be referred by a counselor at one of the five middle schools within the Lansing School District.

Program Highlights

*  One-on-one mentoring

*  Youth build a stronger sense of self

*  Mentors gain valuable experience

*  Youth gain knowledge of community activities

*  Mentors spend four hours per week (two hours tutoring, two hours of something fun) with their mentee 

Staff Email Addresses:

Jaimie Hutchison - Executive Director - ydc@iserv.net

Erin Anter - Development Coordinator- care of  ydc@iserv.net

Kimberly Herlick - Program Coordinator - care of  ydc@iserv.net

Mentor Michigan AmeriCopr - Program Assistant