FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

9/11/2009

PLEASANTVILLE, NJ -- The Youth Investment Council (YIC) of the Atlantic Cape May Workforce Investment Board (WIB) has awarded $1.4 million dollars in Workforce Investment Act (WIA) grants to various non-profit agencies and educational institutions to provide employment and training programs for Atlantic and Cape May County youth ages 14 to 21.

The eligibility criteria for enrollment in the programs are set forth by WIA and include: having a family income at or below the poverty level and possessing a barrier (s) to success such as, homelessness, involvement in juvenile justice system or Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS), being a teen mother, or being deficient in basic skills, among others. Some programs may have residency restrictions.

“Participants will be exposed to a variety of opportunities to continue their education, attain meaningful employment, and begin a training, apprenticeship program, internship or job shadowing experience to become successful leaders in their communities,” stated Rhonda Lowery, One Stop Operator. "All youth will be encouraged to seek the highest level of education.”

The funded programs are separated into two categories: in-school for youth ages 14 -21 and out-of-school for youth ages 16 -21. Most of the programs consist of basic skills tutoring, GED classes, community service projects and job readiness, training and employment placement.

The out-of-school programs include: Atlantic Cape Community College, Career Opportunity and Development, Inc., Community Quest, Jersey Cape Diagnostic, Training and Opportunity Center and PRN Training.

The in-school programs include: Atlantic Cape Community College, AtlantiCare Behavioral Health, Atlantic County Special Services School District, Cape May County Schools for Special Services, Egg Harbor Township Schools Eagle Enterprises and Eagle Academy, Greater Egg Harbor Regional School District, Pleasantville Public Schools, Mainland Regional High School, and Jersey Cape Diagnostic, Training and Opportunity Center.

Funding for both in-school and out-of-school programs is provided by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and funded locally through the Youth Investment Council of the Atlantic Cape May WIB.

Interested youth should call (609) 407-5042 to determine eligibility or visit www.learntrainwork.com for a complete description of funded programs and contact information.