Dutchess County’s new “Youth One Stop” program opened Aug. 1, aiming to offer education and job training to at-risk youth. The program is open to at-risk young people, including foster children, ages 14 to 21 who have yet to complete their education or find employment.
The Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board awarded the Workforce Development Center of the Regional Chamber of Commerce a 23-month contract that will allow the county to start a Youth One Stop program.
Youth One Stop will allow at-risk children to explore career options in the community and gain work experience through jobs and internships. They”™ll also have access to mentoring, tutoring and education programs.
“Youth One Stop will offer unique hands-on experiences that will connect participants to the workforce and their community, creating tangible benefits not only for the participating youth, but also for employers seeking trained and dedicated workers and a community on the rise,” said Laraine Kautz, executive director of the county”™s Workforce Investment Board, in a written statement.
The Workforce Development Center, which operates in conjunction with the county”™s Department of Community and Family Services, has connected businesses to public workforce systems for over 27 years, and the staff envisions sending out qualified workers who understand their responsibilities in the workplace environment and are prepared to earn a living on their own.Â
