Building a Better EconomicFuture for Tennessee

For almost seven years, the Youth CAN program has been part of an effort to provide eligible youth, ages 16-21, with the financial and educational help they need to receive a high school diploma, GED, postsecondary diploma or certificate. Youth CAN bundles many vocational and career planning services: free tutoring and study-skills training, occupational training and apprenticeships, adult mentoring, guidance and counseling, summer employment opportunities, life-skills and leadership training, character education and work-ethics development.

Services

• Linkage to Resources
  We help participants find and apply for GED programs, skill training institutions, postsecondary academic institutions, employment agencies, day care facilities, affordable housing and other community resources.


• Tutoring
  We provide tutoring ourselves or link participants to other providers to prepare them for Gateway exams, GED tests or specific classes.


• Workshops
  We put on career and personal development workshops throughout the year, covering topics such as interviewing skills, time management, and career exploration.


• Paid Work Experience
  We place participants in program-subsidized jobs on a short-term basis and high school participants in Rutherford and Trousdale counties in summer jobs.


• Financial Assistance
  We supplement or cover test and entrance fees, tuition, books, materials and supplies for high school, GED and postsecondary activities.


• Career Mentoring
  We provide counsel on careers and the pathways to enter them.


• Job Search
  We search hand-in-hand with participants on the Internet, at job fairs, in newspapers, at the Career Center, and through contacts with employers and other youth services agencies. We help them with résumé writing, job application, and other work-related skills.


• Support Services
  We assist financially while participants are looking for employment, working, and/or going to school. Support includes day care supplementation, living expenses such as utility bills or rent, bus passes for getting to and from school and/or jobs, uniforms, tools, and work attire. The program exists to remove obstacles so youth can pursue their goals.


• Counseling and Mentoring We discuss what’s going on in the lives of program participants and expect to receive advice and guidance from their case managers. We also refer participants to professional counseling services, if necessary.

Accomplishments

Last year, the program served nearly 500 youth for employment, occupational training and post-secondary education. More than 70 percent of program participants secured employment and/or earned a credential. The program’s successes are numerous: participants graduating from high school, earning a GED or equivalent, making the dean’s list or honor roll, receiving college scholarships, completing college or technical training, and securing gainful employment.

Eligibility

YouthCAN’s participants are from Davidson, Rutherford, and Trousdale counties and represent a myriad of backgrounds. Many of the program’s youths are homeless, runaways, pregnant or foster children. Some youths have a clear picture of their future career goals and are enrolled or planning to enroll in technical schools, community colleges or four-year universities.

Program participants are striving to graduate from high school or receive their GEDs and enter the work force. Some are unsure of how and where to apply their skills or even what skills they have, and need a great deal of mentoring and counseling. Others show resourcefulness and drive.

Client Testimonials

“My case manager is a godsend! I could never repay her for all she has done for me, my son, and my education! Thank you so very much!”

     — Davidson County technical school student

“Just a note to say thanks again for the book scholarship that you have awarded me. Your kindness has been greatly appreciated and definitely put to good use.”

     — Rutherford County college student