June 18—JEFFERSON — A local youth employment program was recently highlighted at a national conference in Atlanta, said Scott Wludyga, Ashtabula County’s superintendent of technical and career campuses.
The program known as “youthOPPORTUNITIES!” serves more than 700 young people between the ages of 14 and 24. He describes the program as an essential initiative.
It is described as the Ashtabula County Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program.
Te’Airra Crockett, a participant, and Jose Cruz, a personal growth counselor who started as a 14-year-old participant, shared their perspectives on the program, Wludyga said.
“Our program is unique because the youth really take the lead. They help shape the program. We also have great partners with Patrick Arcaro of Job and Family Services and Craig Sernik of Area 19. [a non-profit agency]Wludyga said.
Other groups are involved in the program, including Country Neighbor and Catholic Charities, he said.
“Growing through the yO! program has opened many doors in my life. It has helped me determine my career, pursue college, and take a leadership role in my community. Now I can help other youth achieve their goals,” Cruz said in a news release.
“This community partnership is the cornerstone of the abundant opportunities available to our youth in Ashtabula County. It is a blessing when we can reach out and have multiple community partners respond to the needs of our youth and families,” said Shaelynn Ballard, who manages the program.
“Our school is uniquely positioned to administer the program because we can help connect youth with our career technical programs at both the high school and adult levels. Our school has many partnerships across the province and it is the collaboration across our province that will ensure the program is successful,” said Wludyga.
The group was chosen to present the program in Atlanta after a similar event in Ohio.
“We were selected after our team was presented at the staff conference in Columbus,” Wludyga said.
“The participation of yO! youth and staff at the NYEC conference spotlighted Ashtabula County and the transformative power of youth-led initiatives.
