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WorkStartYES

(209) 468.9221 • Staff Directory

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About WorkStartYES

Education. Empowerment. Employment.

WorkStartYES is a free youth program that helps 16-24 year olds overcome barriers to achievement. Services include assistance with academic achievement, work preparedness skills such as mock interviews and resume building, and access to paid work experience.

WorkStartYES was established in 2002 as a joint partnership between the San Joaquin County Office of Education and San Joaquin County WorkNet. Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), WorkStartYES assists youth and young adults throughout San Joaquin County who face significant barriers to success in the labor market by providing resources and support to transition to self-sufficient adulthood. WorkStartYES makes available the 14 WIOA program elements focused around four major themes: preparation for and success in employment; improving educational achievement; support for youth; and services to develop the potential of youth as citizens and leaders.

There are two other WorkStartYES programs in San Joaquin County provided by California Human Development (CHD) and Eckerd Connects.

WorkStartYES Services

EDUCATION EMPOWERMENT EMPLOYMENT
  • GED/High School Equivalency Completion

  • Post-Secondary Education and Training

  • Alternative Secondary School

  • Services/Dropout Recovery Services

  • Tutoring & Study Skills Training

  • Assistance with FAFSA, scholarships, and college applications.

  • College Tours

  • Activities to help youth prepare for transition to postsecondary education and training

  • Comprehensive Guidance and Training

  • Resume assistance, mock interviews, and work readiness activities

  • Leadership Development

  • Career

  • Readiness, Job Shadow Opportunities, and Internships

  • Industry Tours and Guest Speakers

  • Financial Literacy

  • Follow-Up Services for the first year after program exit

  • Paid and Unpaid Work Experience Opportunities

  • Occupational Skills Training

  • Entrepreneurial Skills Training

  • Labor Market and Employment Information about In-Demand Industry Sectors

  • Career Awareness, Career Counseling, and Career Exploration Services

  • Workforce preparation, training, and activities

  • How To Enroll

    Complete the WorkStartYES Interest Form

    all us at (209) 468-9043 to see if you qualify for services.

    Enrollment Requirements

    WorkStartYES is contracted to serve a minimum of 254 youth each program year.

    Review the Required Documents Form to see what forms you will need to bring to your enrollment appointment.

    OUT-OF-SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS IN-SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS

    An individual between the ages of 16 and 24 that is not attending any secondary or postsecondary school and display one or more of the following barriers:

    • • A school dropout
    • • A youth within the age of compulsory school attendance but has not attended school for at least the most recent complete school year or calendar quarter as defined by the local school district.
    • • A recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent who is a low-income individual and is either basic skills deficient or an English language learner.
    • • An individual who is subject to the juvenile or adult justice system.
    • • A homeless individual, a runaway, an individual who is in foster care or has aged out of the foster care system, a child eligible for assistance under section 477 of the Social Security Act, or an individual who is an out-of-home placement.
    • • An individual who is pregnant or parenting.
    • • An individual with a disability.
    • • A low-income individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment.

    An individual between the ages of 16 and 24 that is enrolled in school (this includes but is not limited to alternative schools, vocational schools, and postsecondary schools).

    Note: An individual that enrolls as an in-school youth must qualify as low income to receive services. Click here to see what documents you can provide to qualify as low-income.

    High School

    * High school students will be added to a waitlist and contacted on a first come, first serve basis.

    110 credits – Alternative High School
    120 Credits – Traditional High School

    Do you have an Individual Education Plan (IEP)? Youth with an IEP will qualify as a family of 1 to meet in-school requirements and do not need to provide parent/guardian income to qualify.

    Postsecondary Education

    Postsecondary transcript must be provided to determine eligibility.

    Determined once the transcript is provided to the Outreach & Enrollment Technician.

    *Court documents are required for all offenders and youth on probation.

    This WIOA Title I financially assisted program or activity is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

    WORKSTARTYES IS HERE TO HELP!

    If you are in need of WorkStartYES services, call us at (209) 468-9043 to see if you qualify. For more information, contact our main office at (209) 468-9221.

    RESOURCES FOR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS

    Get your High School Diploma with Come Back Kids (18+)
    Join the Greater Valley Conservation Corps (18-25yrs)

    THE (RE)SOURCE ROOM

    The (Re)source Room is a one-stop-shop for WorkStartYES participants to access everything they need to succeed. Participants can pick out clothes for a job interview, use the internet and printers, learn about community resources, or just a relaxing space to recharge. Did you know WorkStartYES participants helped to create and paint the I AM POSSIBLE mural in the (Re)source Room?

    Inside of WorkStartYes's resource room, which has a large colorful mural on the wall.