Capitol Region Education Council (CREC), in partnership with Capital Workforce Partners (CWP) provides young adults with programming designed to develop work readiness skills. The summer program is designed to help students develop basic academic skills, work skills and career exploration opportunities to support their transition into adulthood. The program runs for six weeks, beginning in July and ending early August. Students will earn stipends or wages for their time spent at the program.

The CWP Youth Employment and Learning Program helps develop the following career competency skills:

• Basic reading and math
• Job seeking
• Interpersonal
• Personal qualities
• Communication
• Decision making
• Computer literacy

Long term goals for the program are that youth will demonstrate their ability to enter the workforce and/or post-secondary career education by becoming workforce-certified (the achievement of CWP career competencies); youth will graduate from high school on time; and youth will enter a post secondary career education program.

Short term goals include the development of relationships with positive, adult role models. Youth will also create a “dream” and “reality” resume, remain in school, develop work readiness skills, and participate in and attend all activities.

Activities include:

• Resume/cover letter writing
• Weekly meetings
• Parent nights
• Team building activities
• Job shadowing
• Company tours
• Field trips
• Career mentoring
• Guest speakers
• Pre/post program assessments
• Career exploration activities
• Community service projects

Students are eligible for the 2008 Summer Program and should complete an application if they:

• Live in the Hartford Region
• Are 14-18 years of age
• Are currently enrolled in school
• Are eligible for free or reduced price lunch