ACTION, Inc. provides services to in-school youth ages 14-21 and out-of-school youth ages 16-24 aimed at support individual career pathways and long-term academic and occupational learning. The Youth Program is designed to prepare youth to either enter post-secondary education, other types of training or employment upon completion of high school.

Youth program elements consist of:

  • Tutoring, study skills training and instruction leading to the completion of secondary schooling including dropout prevention strategies;
  • Alternative secondary school offerings;
  • Paid and unpaid work experiences that have academic and occupational education as a component of work experience;
  • Occupational skill training;
  • Education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster;
  • Leadership development opportunities;
  • Supportive services;
  • Adult mentoring for a duration of at least twelve months, that may occur during and after program participation;
  • Follow up services for not less than 12 months after the participant completes the program; and
  • Comprehensive guidance and counseling, including drug and alcohol counseling and referral to counseling as appropriate to meet the needs of the participant;
  • Financial literacy education;
  • Entrepreneurial skills training;
  • Services that provide labor market and employment information about in-demand industry sectors or occupations such as career awareness, career counseling, and career exploration services; and
  • Activities that help youth prepare for and transition to post-secondary education and training.

Eligibility

  • Eligible in-school youth may not be younger than 14 nor older than 21 at the time of enrollment and have qualified barriers to success. Barriers are assessed during the application process.
  • Eligible out-of-school youth may not be younger than 16 nor older than 24 at the time of enrollment. Eligible out-of-school youth are those not attending any school who have barriers to success. Barriers are assessed during the application process.