Grant funds were utilized to augment our workforce readiness for our Junior Staff Development Programs. During the grant period, 15 Club members from 16 to 18 years of age completed the Workforce Junior Staff Development Program. Six of those found summer employment at the ULBGC Summer Camp in Salem, Wisconsin and the resources provided were key to the success of the program. All youth were members of the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs at that time.
Funds allocated were used mostly to provide transportation, food, training supplies and background checks and drug testing fees for those 18 years old, no background checks were conducted for participants under 18 years of age.
Training was implemented in one week at eight hours per day for a total of 40 hours of trainings and eight weeks of hands on workforce development practicum where participants learned all aspects of the camping program, food handling, kitchen and culinary management. Younger participants were assigned to be Counselors in Training (CIT’s) and were assigned to different counselors and program areas to have hands on training in program planning, implementation and youth management.
Jonathan Carapia, the only participant who found a position at one of the local Boys & Girls Clubs is still employed and is a perfect example of the success of the program.