It’s always nice to have a second chance…at anything. And, for young folks who have had a rough go at it, a second chance means everything.
STRIVE for the Future, a job-training program started in February of 2013 made possible by funding from the Federal Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, provides 14 through 24 year olds with an opportunity for a do-over. The program is for those who have been involved in the juvenile justice system within the last 12 months or who are currently on probation and have no adult felonies or adult convictions. Whether a youth finds out about this program through his probation officer, a youth counselor or word of mouth, the benefits to be reaped are grand.
The goal of STRIVE for the Future is to get those whose lives have gotten off track back on it in a positive, sustainable way. This day/evening program offers juvenile offenders training in computer skills, prepares out of school students to take and pass the GED, provides mentoring for students enrolled in schools, helps students find and keep a job using these skills and provides support for students to continue on with post-secondary training.
Another piece of the training is in A+ Certification, which provides hands-on, lecture based courses that will teach students how to use system files, security functions, computer hardware and software, networking, computer troubleshooting methods and how to assemble and take apart a computer. Upon completing the classes, students will be prepared and eligible to take the A+ Certification examination, free of charge.
One of those who will be sitting for the A+ certification is 18-year-old Daniel Holland, who has been in the program for five weeks and is thriving in it. “[Today], we are working on resumes.” Prior to entering this program, Holland didn’t have the confidence that he would be able to even hold himself up in an interview. And, though it is still early in his time with STRIVE for the Future, he can “now visualize himself in the workplace” – there was a time when he couldn’t.
For many youth who have been in trouble and have never been in the work place, there’s a lot to learn about both getting a job and then, keeping it. That’s where STRIVE for the Future’s Recruiter/Retention Specialist Elaine Colbert comes in. “Once you get a job, we want to make sure that you keep that job.” The point of the program is not to get a job and then quit because you are unable to navigate the environment. “If you have any issues so far as your employment is concerned,” Colbert notes, “we want you to come to us and talk about it.” The same is true with job advancement. “If you want to apply for a higher position and you think you need some help, we will work to help you apply for that position.”
STRIVE for the Future is not only about learning tangible skills, but about being exposed to soft ones as well, such as accountability and responsibility. Instructor Jonathan Sistrunk has been teaching at STRIVE for two years and noted the following: “Getting outside of your comfort zone is getting outside of yourself and being able to be introspective.” Therefore, the coursework is built to allow time for personal growth and goal setting. “The first week is about breaking down walls and barriers and you get a chance to talk about yourself,” Sistrunk notes. “Week two we begin rebuilding.”
STRIVE for the Future’s Job Developer, Marie Hicks, has been working assiduously to develop relationships with employers who are willing to give new employees a second chance. At this point, STRIVE for the Future has approximately 30 employers/partners willing to give graduates of the program a chance at employment. “A relationship with us helps our students through the vetting process,” Hicks noted.
As STRIVE for the Future enters its second year of existence in the Philly area, they want to bring awareness to youth who are struggling to find their way that there is an opportunity for positive change. “I want people to be aware that the program exists and what support we offer,” Colbert noted. If you have ever been in trouble or can’t find a job and haven’t been successful, this program teaches you workforce skills that get you ready for employment.” Colbert continued: “Sometimes, it is really some of those simple things [that you need to change] to get you the job.”
New cycles start every six weeks and operate on a Monday through Thursday schedule. Classes are held at Metropolitan Career Center located at 100 South Broad Street, Suite 830. For more information, contact Elaine Colbert @ 215.219.4198. It’s a new year and a great time for new beginnings.
