Since 2000, EducationWorks has provided after school and summer programs focused on college and career preparation. We offer students ages 14 to 21 an integrated curriculum of academic support, college preparation, workforce skill development, internship assignments and summer employment. The goal is to help them:
Recognize the value and rewards of education and academic performance
Strengthen academic skills and study habits in order to attain a high school diploma
Acquire valuable occupational skills and prepare to enter the workforce
Identify post-secondary education options and opportunities
Programs are built on the premise that academic achievement is the single most important factor in determining a student’s opportunities for the future. Participation in programs gives students a head start on college and careers in higher-skill and higher-demand occupations in fields such as health care, entrepreneurship, and the legal profession. This, in turn, helps them become more productive and valuable members of their communities — a return on investment that lasts a lifetime.
Learning to Work
Learning to Work (LTW) is a comprehensive program that provides high school drop outs ages 16-21 the opportunity to return to high school, earn a diploma, and become prepared to enter the workforce.
The goals of the program are for students to:
Strengthen academic skills and study habits in order to obtain a high school diploma
Gain workplace skills
Recognize and respond positively to the direct correlation between the successful completion of high school and the prospects for gainful employment and continued education
Youth participate for up to 2 years in academic studies, exploration of post-secondary education, career assessment and workplace readiness activities, and monitored field and internship experiences. Following an academic, career, and strengths and needs assessment, each student develops an Individual Service Goal Plan with their academic and career advisors and social worker. As students participate in and complete activities in their plan, they receive incentive points. These incentive points are used to promote students through core activities and into workplace experiences.
Workplace experiences are progressive. Students begin by conducting job searches, informational interviews, workplace visits and job shadowing. They also participate in unpaid internships with groups such as Habitat for Humanity and Neighborhood Bike Works, as well as in EW summer camps alongside our Youthworks students. They then move to paid internships with groups such as the American Philosophical Society Museum and Defenders Association. Finally, students obtain gainful employment and/or pursue post-secondary education.
YouthWorks
YouthWorks promotes academic achievement, career success, and productive citizenship for Philadelphia and Chester in-school youth ages 14 to 21.
During the summer students participate in a series of workshops, activities, internships and work assignments to enrich academic achievement, life skill development, career exploration, and job skill development.
Upon enrollment, each student completes an assessment to determine their current knowledge and skills in each of three major learning areas; academic support, college and career preparation, and workforce skill development. Working with AmeriCorps members, each develops an individualized learning plan identifying specific personal goals, areas for development, and benchmarks to establish progress.
Components of the YouthWorks program include:
Tutoring
Career-specific service projects, job shadowing, and work site visits
Post-secondary education and career options research
Career and life skills building- resume writing, time management, budgeting, and personal relationships
Paid "junior counselor" positions in EW summer camps or other paid summer employment
Throughout the modules, students complete a portfolio to track their progress and document their accomplishments. The portfolio reflects the range of students’ activities and includes items such as journals, career research, lesson plans, and work or service project materials. The portfolios are reviewed by principals and teachers to award academic credit for outstanding work and identify students to participate in an annual city-wide exhibition sponsored by the Philadelphia Youth Network.
