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Narrative: In 1998, JTPA were awarded funds to pilot a dropout prevention project in Maury County. This project provided 20 in school, JTPA eligible, at-risk youth with work experience, basic skills, training, employability skills, career exploration, life management skills, and community resource awareness as a means of increasing Maury County School retention rates. Teachers from the school system were hired to provide educational enhancement in a classroom setting. Students were provided with jobs and worked 15-20 hours each week. Mentoring has become an important part of this initiative as students interact with adults in their work setting. Mentors encourage students as they over come many challenges at home and emphasize staying in school.
It Works! The program is now locally funded and has expanded to serve 25 students. Students are placed in local non-profit organizations and those students placed in the Boys and Girls club are now providing peer mentoring to children. "People really care about me. I have become a more people person and have overcome my shyness as I meet many members of my community. I have also learned much about computers and have improved my communication skills" Honey Love, 10th grade student at Columbia High School.
Contact:
Jan McKeel
Executive Director of South Central Tennessee Workforce Board
2nd Floor, #8 Courthouse Square
Columbia, TN 38401
(P)931-381-0068, Ext. 612
(F)931-381-7643
E-mail: mckeel@coscc.cc.tn.us