Workforce Development Board of Oswego County

Youth Council Meeting   April 9, 2008

Room 118 Rich Hall   Oswego State

 

‘The Youth Council shall assist in developing the local workforce plan pertaining to youth and youth services, approving eligible providers of youth services, coordinate youth workforce development activities, and oversee public relations about youth programs.’

 

Minutes

 

Present:  Kathleen Fenlon, Barbara Schuler, Janet Lanious, Eric Bresee, Donna Donabella, Jeanne Apicelli     Staff:  Nick Della Penna, Jeff Grimshaw  Guest: Meagan Scheffler

 

Kathy Fenlon called the meeting to order. 

 

1) Approval of Meeting Minutes from January 9, 2008

Barb Schuler moved to approve the minutes.  Donna Donabella seconded.  The minutes were approved.

 

 

2) Performance Review PY’07 – Janet Lanious (DET)

Janet Lanious reviewed the performance results for the second quarter of PY’07 (Oct. 1- Dec. 31, 2007).  We are meeting all three performance standards for Youth and the NYS System Improvement Indicator. 

 

Janet stated that the Literacy/Numeracy gain objective is providing the biggest challenge.  She also mentioned the continued emphasis on serving out-of-school youth as being another major challenge. 

 

 

3) 2008 Youth Summit - Kathy Fenlon

Kathy stated that the planning committee for the event will begin meeting in May.  Jeff Grimshaw stated that the date for the event is Tuesday, September 30.  Kathy invited Meagan Scheffler to join the planning group.
 
 

4) Advancing Youth Partnership WIA Grant Update - Kathy Fenlon

Kathy asked Meagan to update the Council on the grant.  We received $105,000 to serve kids at risk that normally would not get served including kids who are parenting or homeless.  We have enrolled 6 new youth and will enroll 15 in all.  Some will be pursuing certifications (like a CNA).  Partners on this program include: The Youth Bureau, DET, OCO (for transportation), and the Youth Advocacy Program (YAP). 
 
Kathy asked what the major issues with the program are.  Meagan responded that recruiting and follow-through have been the major problems to-date. 

 

 

5) Youth Services RFP – Janet Lanious/Jeanne Apicelli

Jeanne reviewed the proposals that were received from this year’s Request for Proposals for Year-Round Youth Services.  The new contracts that result from this process will go into effect July 1, 2008 and run through June 30, 2010.  Fifteen proposals were received and proposals covered all 10 of the required elements.  This list summarizes the elements and the proposals for each:

 

  1. Tutoring, study skills training, and instruction, leading to completion of secondary school, including dropout prevention strategies.

-         BOCES- Basic Skills through WorkKeys

-         OCO – Drop Out Prevention & Tutoring After School Program

 

  1. Alternative secondary school services

-         BOCES – Alternative Secondary School with Occupational Skill Training

 

  1. Summer employment opportunities directly linked to academic and occupational learning

-         DET provides as per WIA regulations

 

  1. Paid and unpaid work experiences, including internships and job shadowing

-         OI/CES – Youth Employment Opportunities

-         OCO – Job Coaching

-         DET – Work Experience

-         BOCES – Summer Job Coach

 

  1. Occupational skill training

-         BOCES – Alternative Secondary School with Occupational Skills Training

-         OCO – Pre-Vocational Workshops

-         OCO – Career Exploration & Job Shadowing

-         DET – Occupational Skills Training & Career Exploration

 

  1. Leadership development opportunities, which may include community service and peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social behaviors during non-school hours

-         YAP – Employment Skills Readiness

 

  1. Supportive services

-         DET – Supportive Services

 

  1. Adult mentoring for the period of participation and a subsequent period, for a total of not less than 12 months

-         OCO – Adult Mentoring

 

  1. Follow-up services for not less than 12 months after the completion of participation

-         DET – Follow Up Services

  1. Comprehensive guidance and counseling, which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral

-         Found in proposals for leadership; also in case management

 

After some discussion, Donna Donabella moved to recommend approving all of the proposals.  Barb Schuler seconded.  The Council voted to recommend approving the proposals and allow negotiations to begin.  Council members abstained from voting on proposals from their respective agencies.  This recommendation will be brought before the Full Board in June.

 

 

6) Strategic Planning Update – Nick Della Penna

Nick stated that the Career Ladder Map website went “live” on March 3.  Jeff Grimshaw is working on the artwork for the posters.  Nancy Bellow will be presenting at the next Superintendent’s meeting on May 7.  We are still planning to do a community forum sometime in the Fall.  We will also feature the website at the next Youth Employment Summit.

 

 

7) Next Meeting- August 6, 2008