ERIC Number: ED227221
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1982
Pages: 32
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Jobs for Youth: What We Have Learned. A Report from the Field.
Lefkowitz, Bernard
During January, February, and March 1982, 283 people in 17 cities were interviewed regarding those strategies and policies designed to provide access to employment for disadvantaged youth that should be preserved, changed, or rejected. Participants included program operators and practitioners, program participants, elected and appointed officials, employers, journalists, educators, representatives of community organizations, and "informed observers." Almost 70 percent said funds should go to out-of-school youth. Over 85 percent supported elimination of minimum-wage allowances in classroom programs even if funding is increased. A majority said training programs should be evaluated on the basis of how many participants improved their educational status, were certified as employable, or found unsubsidized employment. There was wide support for a more comprehensive testing and assessment system at program intake. A majority said a more comprehensive long-term approach to training that combines basic education, attitude change, skills development, and on-the-job counseling is required to reduce youth unemployment. Principles for operating effective training programs included strict attendance and competency standards as well as simulation of a work environment, a low supervisor-to-trainee ratio in hands-on training, and private sector involvement in establishing job readiness standards. Most agreed not enough job openings exist. (YLB)
Descriptors: Adolescents, Demonstration Programs, Disadvantaged Youth, Employment Programs, Federal Aid, Federal Legislation, Federal Programs, Interviews, Job Development, Job Skills, Job Training, Out of School Youth, Program Effectiveness, Program Evaluation, Secondary Education, Standards, Surveys, Unemployment, Vocational Education, Youth Employment, Youth Programs
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, New York, NY.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: Also supported by grants from the Field, Ford, Charles Stewart Mott, Rockefeller, and Taconic Foundations and the Lilly Endowment.