Mobile Works to Fund over $1,800,000 for Youth Programs in 2005
Thursday, Jun 16th, 2005Public-private economic development group invests over $7.2 million for Mobile youth jobs / education since its inception in 2000
MOBILE, Alabama - June 16, 2005 - Mobile Works Inc. announced today that it will invest over $1.8 million during its 2005-2006 fiscal year for several youth programs, designed to help Mobile youth become job-ready. Contracts totaling over $1,822,325 were awarded to local organizations as part of Mobile Works' continuing effort to increase the available labor pool of skilled jobseekers in the Mobile area.
"We are proud to partner with local organizations and schools that are making a positive impact on our youth and indeed our entire community. We strive to better the Mobile economy by funding job growth and the lives of its citizens by providing job and educational opportunities," said Sydney G. Raine, President of Mobile Works. Since its inception in 2000, the group has invested more than $7.2 million to fund job and educational programs for Mobile area youth out of the over $23.9 million given overall to support Mobile area job and educational programs.
Local providers for five different programs were recently awarded contracts, including Mobile County Public Schools; Goodwill Easter Seals; Dynamic Education Systems, Inc. (DESI); South Alabama Skills Training Consortia; and the Dearborn Street Community Center/Dearborn YMCA. Youth for all programs are selected based on risk factors, academic record, counselor recommendations, work experience, financial need and additional aspects affecting eligibility based on the particular program involved.
Summer Jobs for Youth 2005
Mobile Works awarded $449,197 to Summer Jobs for Youth 2005, a 12-month program delivered by the Mobile County Public School System that serves 275 low-income in-school at-risk youth aged 14-18, including graduating seniors, to improve their career and leadership potential to assist students in getting a job or furthering their education. The Summer Jobs for Youth 2005 program is having its week-long kickoff and orientation, beginning June 13, 2005, after which students will work at participating Mobile area businesses.
Goodwill Easter Seals
Mobile Works has contracted with Goodwill Easter Seals to deliver a $231,672 program that will benefit 36 out-of-school youth ages 16-21. Youth will receive training in life management, career planning, job readiness, interviewing skills and GED preparation. Goodwill Easter Seals will also provide job placement support and will require youth to participate in a community service project during the program. A parent involvement council will also be started to provide families with support and information on how they can contribute to the success of their children. All youth will be provided with follow-up to ensure their continued success.
Dynamic Education Systems Inc. (DESI)
Mobile Works is investing $532,079 in a program for 75 out-of-school youth ages 19-21. Youth will be provided the opportunity to identify their career interests and capabilities and learn how to mesh the two. Youth will also be provided with training in job readiness, computer skills and, if interested, will also receive specialized training in computer hardware and software support. Participants are also assisted with GED preparation and job placement services. Partnerships with area job training programs in welding and heavy equipment operation will allow youth interested in those careers the opportunity to attend the training programs through referral. DESI is committed to providing all youth with job development and placement.
South Alabama Skills Training Consortia
Mobile Works has contracted with the South Alabama Skills Training Consortia in the amount of $358,193 to fund a program serving 65 out-of-school youth ages 16-21. Youth will receive a variety of critical services including GED preparation, job readiness training, paid work experience and job placement. Whenever possible, younger youth who are eligible to return to school will be given every encouragement and support to do so. Youth not able to return to school will be matched with appropriate jobs for their skills and abilities with participating local businesses.
Dearborn Street Community Center/Dearborn YMCA
Mobile Works is investing $251,184 with the Dearborn Street Community Center/Dearborn YMCA to fund a contract to service 35 out-of-school youth ages 16-21. Youth will receive job training skills including social skills, decision making, employability, money management, transportation, health, family responsibility, basics of the law and telephone and other key communication skills. The youth will also receive basic educational assistance, GED preparation, leadership development, counseling and support services. A counselor will work with the participants to help them understand such critical workplace success issues as time management and anger control.
Mobile Works Inc., a local partnership of business, education, labor and community leaders, provides businesses with training, leadership, labor market information and employment programs designed to stimulate local business by meeting the needs of Mobile area businesses while increasing the available labor pool of skilled jobseekers in the Mobile area. Since its inception in 2000, the group has invested more than $23.9 million overall to support Mobile area job and educational programs. In addition, in the 2005-2006 fiscal year alone, Mobile Works will invest over $4.6 million dollars in jobs, training and economic initiatives for all of Mobile County.
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Gia Dinges
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www.mobile-works.org website
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