Navigating the path to career excellence can be challenging, especially for high school students facing various obstacles. The Pathway Home Program is designed to provide crucial support and resources, ensuring every student has the opportunity to achieve their academic and career aspirations. This comprehensive initiative focuses on helping at-risk youth graduate high school and successfully transition into further education, vocational training, military service, or the workforce, paving their way home to a brighter future.
What is the High School Youth Program?
The High School Youth Program serves as a cornerstone for students in Athens Clarke, Barrow, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, and Walton counties, offering individualized case management services. Recognizing that certain barriers can significantly increase a student’s risk of dropping out, this program proactively intervenes by providing tailored support. Dedicated case managers work closely with each participant to identify needs and connect them with essential services, all aimed at fostering academic achievement and future career readiness. The ultimate goal is to empower these young individuals to not only graduate high school but also to envision and actively pursue pathways to career excellence.
Comprehensive Services for Success
To ensure holistic development, the High School Youth Program offers a wide array of services, carefully designed to address the diverse needs of its participants. These services are crucial in building a strong foundation for career excellence and include:
- Tutoring and Study Skills Development: Providing access to tutoring, enhancing study techniques, and offering instructional support to improve academic performance and build confidence in learning.
- Alternative Education and Dropout Recovery: Connecting students with alternative secondary school options or dropout recovery programs, offering second chances and flexible learning environments to re-engage with education.
- Paid and Unpaid Work Experiences: Facilitating practical work experiences through summer jobs, pre-apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing opportunities, and on-the-job training. These experiences provide invaluable real-world skills and career exploration avenues.
- Occupational Skills Training: Offering targeted training programs to develop specific occupational skills, making students more competitive and prepared for various career paths.
- Concurrent Education and Workforce Preparation: Integrating education with workforce preparation activities, ensuring students gain both academic knowledge and practical skills simultaneously.
- Leadership Development Opportunities: Cultivating leadership skills through various activities and programs, empowering students to become confident and proactive individuals in their communities and future workplaces.
These comprehensive services are fundamental in guiding students on their pathway home – a journey towards stability, success, and career excellence.
The 14 Elements of Support
Funded through the Regional Commission / Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the High School Youth Program is distinguished by its commitment to providing 14 essential elements of service to each participant. These elements are designed to create a robust support system, addressing both immediate and long-term needs. Financial assistance is also available when appropriate and approved, adding another layer of support to help students overcome financial barriers. The 14 elements are:
- Adult Mentoring: Pairing students with adult mentors who provide guidance, support, and encouragement, fostering positive relationships and role models.
- Preparatory Activities for Post-Secondary Education and Training: Assisting students with college applications, financial aid processes, and exploring technical training options, preparing them for the next steps in their educational journey.
- Follow-up Support (Minimum 10 Months): Providing continuous support and guidance for at least 10 months after program completion, ensuring sustained success and addressing any challenges that may arise during their transition.
- Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling: Offering professional guidance and counseling services to address personal, academic, and career-related concerns, promoting mental and emotional well-being alongside academic progress.
- Financial Literacy Education: Equipping students with essential financial literacy skills, empowering them to make informed financial decisions and manage their resources effectively.
- Entrepreneurial Skills Training: Introducing entrepreneurial concepts and skills, fostering an innovative mindset and opening up potential pathways for self-employment and business ventures.
- Labor Market and Employment Information Services: Providing up-to-date information on labor market trends and employment opportunities, helping students make informed career choices aligned with current demands.
These 14 elements collectively ensure that students receive well-rounded support, strengthening their pathway home and setting them on course for achieving career excellence.
Who Can Benefit? Eligibility Criteria
The High School Youth Program is specifically designed for students who are committed to their education and future success. To be eligible for enrollment, participants must meet the following criteria:
- High School Enrollment: Students must be actively enrolled in high school and demonstrating progress towards graduation.
- Income Eligibility: Participants must meet specific income guidelines to qualify for program services, ensuring support reaches those who need it most.
- Commitment to Education and Activities: Students must demonstrate a strong commitment to completing their educational program and actively participating in monthly program activities, showing their dedication to personal growth and development.
- Post-Secondary or Workforce Commitment: Upon graduation, participants must be committed to pursuing post-secondary education, including technical school or college/university enrollment, or entering military service or the workforce, demonstrating a clear vision for their future pathway home.
Connect with a Case Manager
For students in Athens Clarke, Barrow, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, and Walton counties interested in learning more about the Pathway Home Program and achieving career excellence, dedicated case managers are available to provide information and assistance. Please reach out to the case manager assigned to your county or school district:
Athens-Clarke County
- Cedar Shoals – Jamila Daniels: [email protected]
- Clarke Central – Sharon Barnes: [email protected]
- Classic City – Jamila Daniels: [email protected]
Barrow County
- Liz Long: [email protected]
Elbert County
- Valencia Thornton: [email protected]
Greene County
- Jamila Daniels: [email protected]
Jackson County
- Jamila Daniels: [email protected]
Jasper County
- Cary Best: [email protected]
Madison County
- Cary Best: [email protected]
Morgan County
- Jamila Daniels: [email protected]
Newton County
- Loineda Peters: [email protected]
Oconee County
- Jamila Daniels: [email protected]
Oglethorpe County
- Cary Best: [email protected]
Walton County
- Mequelle Jones: [email protected]
Embark on your journey to career excellence today with the Pathway Home Program. Contact your local case manager to discover how this program can support you in achieving your academic and career goals, building your pathway home to a successful future.
