Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension
Panhandle Research & Extension Center
4502 Avenue I
Scottsbluff, NE 69361-4939
(308) 632-1234, (308) 632-1365 fax

Kathleen Lodl
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension
4-H Youth Development
114 AGH
Lincoln, NE 68583-0700
(402) 472-9012

Jeff Hart
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension
SOutheast Research & Extension Center
204 MUSH
Lincoln, NE 68583-0714
(402) 472-4743

In order to better prepare young people for their role in the workplace, Nebraska Cooperative Extension teamed with the Nebraska Department of Labor to develop comprehensive programming to better prepare youth for their role in the workplace. Based on the results of resource mapping and statewide needs assessment, two curricula were developed.

Pathways to Success: Work Readiness was designed to teach 16- 21-year olds meet the Work Readiness Skills competencies set up by the Workforce Investment Action (WIA). Based on the success of this curriculum a second piece, Pathways to Success: Occupational Skills, was developed. This new curricula provides hands-on strategies for helping youth meet occupational skills and competencies. The curriculum is intended to be a framework of activities for assisting the instructor in reaching the goals established for each participant. These curricula were approved by the Nebraska Department of Education as eligible for credit toward high school graduation. Over 300 representatives from the Department of Labor, Cooperative Extension, school districts and partnering agencies have been trained and are using the curricula.

As a result of this program:

• Youth participants are going through a systematic program to attain work readiness and occupational skills.
• 70% of those who participate are leaving the program with the skills needed to successfully acquire and maintain a job.
• 65% of employers participating in the occupational skills program believe the quality of youth participants has “greatly improved” as a result of the program.

PowerPoint Presentation (PDF format, 1,299 kb)