Pre-Employment Prep Program (PEPP)

Special Notes/Funding

Dept. of Labor, various private foundations, donations, Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, Douglas County, United Way and gallery sales.

Description

A program for youth ages 14-15. Designed as a learning opportunity for youth with little or no prior work experience, PEPP engages participants in 28 hours of pre-employment and life skills curriculum while earning a paid stipend. Youth learn employability skills, soft skills, employee rights, advocacy and self-care. With wraparound services being an essential component of all Van Go programs, PEPP also includes art activities as a mindfulness tool for self-expression and an individual consultation with social work staff. At the conclusion of the 4-week program, every youth will receive a customizable resume, cover letter, mock interview experience, and a social services plan outlining community resources based on their identified needs.

Hours

8:30 am - 5 pm, Mon - Fri.

Eligibility

Participants must meet ONE of the following: live in a family or as an individual who receives SNAP, free or reduced lunch or cash assistance; meets US poverty guidelines; has an educational disability; an IEP in school; a mental health diagnosis; has lived in foster care; or has had involvement with the judicial system and other barriers to successful employment.

Fees

None.

Intake Procedure

Application and interview.

Languages

English.

Service Area

Douglas County.

Geography Served

Special Notes/Funding

Dept. of Labor, various private foundations, donations, Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, Douglas County, United Way and gallery sales.

Description

A program for youth ages 14-15. Designed as a learning opportunity for youth with little or no prior work experience, PEPP engages participants in 28 hours of pre-employment and life skills curriculum while earning a paid stipend. Youth learn employability skills, soft skills, employee rights, advocacy and self-care. With wraparound services being an essential component of all Van Go programs, PEPP also includes art activities as a mindfulness tool for self-expression and an individual consultation with social work staff. At the conclusion of the 4-week program, every youth will receive a customizable resume, cover letter, mock interview experience, and a social services plan outlining community resources based on their identified needs.

Hours

8:30 am - 5 pm, Mon - Fri.

Eligibility

Participants must meet ONE of the following: live in a family or as an individual who receives SNAP, free or reduced lunch or cash assistance; meets US poverty guidelines; has an educational disability; an IEP in school; a mental health diagnosis; has lived in foster care; or has had involvement with the judicial system and other barriers to successful employment.

Fees

None.

Intake Procedure

Application and interview.

Languages

English.

Service Area

Douglas County.

Geography Served

Special Notes/Funding

Dept. of Labor, various private foundations, donations, Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, Douglas County, United Way and gallery sales.

Description

A program for youth ages 14-15. Designed as a learning opportunity for youth with little or no prior work experience, PEPP engages participants in 28 hours of pre-employment and life skills curriculum while earning a paid stipend. Youth learn employability skills, soft skills, employee rights, advocacy and self-care. With wraparound services being an essential component of all Van Go programs, PEPP also includes art activities as a mindfulness tool for self-expression and an individual consultation with social work staff. At the conclusion of the 4-week program, every youth will receive a customizable resume, cover letter, mock interview experience, and a social services plan outlining community resources based on their identified needs.

Hours

8:30 am - 5 pm, Mon - Fri.

Eligibility

Participants must meet ONE of the following: live in a family or as an individual who receives SNAP, free or reduced lunch or cash assistance; meets US poverty guidelines; has an educational disability; an IEP in school; a mental health diagnosis; has lived in foster care; or has had involvement with the judicial system and other barriers to successful employment.

Fees

None.

Intake Procedure

Application and interview.

Languages

English.

Service Area

Douglas County.

Geography Served

Special Notes/Funding

Dept. of Labor, various private foundations, donations, Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, Douglas County, United Way and gallery sales.

Description

A program for youth ages 14-15. Designed as a learning opportunity for youth with little or no prior work experience, PEPP engages participants in 28 hours of pre-employment and life skills curriculum while earning a paid stipend. Youth learn employability skills, soft skills, employee rights, advocacy and self-care. With wraparound services being an essential component of all Van Go programs, PEPP also includes art activities as a mindfulness tool for self-expression and an individual consultation with social work staff. At the conclusion of the 4-week program, every youth will receive a customizable resume, cover letter, mock interview experience, and a social services plan outlining community resources based on their identified needs.

Hours

8:30 am - 5 pm, Mon - Fri.

Eligibility

Participants must meet ONE of the following: live in a family or as an individual who receives SNAP, free or reduced lunch or cash assistance; meets US poverty guidelines; has an educational disability; an IEP in school; a mental health diagnosis; has lived in foster care; or has had involvement with the judicial system and other barriers to successful employment.

Fees

None.

Intake Procedure

Application and interview.

Languages

English.

Service Area

Douglas County.

Geography Served