Monday, July 17, 2006

Youth Workforce Center

now affiliated with CLEAN

Star Staff Report

WINCHESTER — CLEAN Inc. has officially assumed the administration of the Youth Workforce Center.

Formerly located at Lord Fairfax Community College, the center is a result of the Workforce Investment Act, which was signed into law in 1998 by President Clinton.

The act serves as the structure for a national workforce preparation and employment system designed to meet the needs of the country’s businesses as well as those of job seekers and those looking to further their careers.

To be eligible for the program, participants must be low-income youth ages 14 to 21, and must fall into at least one of the following categories: school dropout; basic literacy skills deficiency; homeless, runaway, or foster child; pregnant or a parent; an offender; or need help completing an educational program or securing and holding a job.

Participation in the program prepares youth for post-secondary educational opportunities or employment by linking academic and occupational learning.

Other services provided include tutoring, study skills training and instruction leading to completion of secondary school including dropout prevention, alternative school services, mentoring by appropriate adults, paid and unpaid work experience, occupational skills training, leadership development, and appropriate support services.

Participants also receive guidance, counseling, and follow-up services for one year after completing the program.

Nancy Lloyd, vice president of workforce solutions and continuing education at Lord Fairfax Community College, said the program was relocated because the college was “simply out of space” and unable to continue to house the program until new buildings are constructed on the campus.

She also said she believes they have done a good job of partnering the program with other agencies.

The services provided by this program will be available to new participants as of September and will serve those in Clarke, Frederick, Warren, and Shenandoah counties as well as the city of Winchester.

For more information on the Youth Workforce Center, contact CLEAN at 722-3589.

— Contact the City Desk at
citydesk@winchesterstar.com