Council’s Teen Career Awareness Initiative culminated as a result of House Bill 289 planning.This bill was enacted in 2006 to increase the accountability of the Ohio Family and Children First (OFCF) Cabinet Council and county Family and Children First Councils (FCFCs). It required county FCFCs to identify local interagency efforts and establish a process to identify local priorities to increase child well-being. The local priorities must focus on one or more of the six Commitments to Child Well-Being. The county FCFC must monitor progress toward meeting the local priorities through identified indicators associated with child well-being and provide an annual report to its board of county commissioners and the OFCF Cabinet Council.

Locally, alarmed by the stories of youth entering the work world without marketable work skills or a plan to obtain either higher education or vocational skills, a coalition of community members came together to address the problem. Working together through the Family and Children First Council, employers, educators, social service professionals, government and economic development professionals agreed to make enhancing career awareness among teens a top priority. The Council surveyed 1,683 8th and 12th graders in Washington County schools and found that first-hand exposure to work and careers was the most influential factor in helping students decide on a career path. With that in mind, the Initiative’s goal was to identify local collaborative funding for a Job Shadowing Coordinator who will work with employers, schools and students to arrange job-shadowing visits.Through funding support from the Marietta Community Foundation, local business and industry, civic groups and local school districts, a Job Shadowing Coordinator was hired September 1, 2009.Partnership Agreements allow fundraising efforts to continue for sustainability of the project beyond the one-year funding. The collaborative efforts of all involved have made this a true community grassroots efforts and is the core of Family & Children First’s “289 Plan”.To become a ‘partner’ in this initiative, please view the link to the Partnership Agreement or contact Family & Children First for more information.

NEWS, EVENTS, MEETINGS

Teen Career Awareness Meeting

1/4/13, 10:00am, FCF Office

Teen Career Awareness Meeting

2/1/13, 10:00am, FCF Office

Teen Career Awareness Meeting

3/1/13, 10:00am, FCF Office

Teen Career Awareness Meeting

4/5/13, 10:00am, FCF Office

Teen Career Awareness Meeting

5/3/13, 10:00am, FCF Office

Teen Career Awareness Meeting

6/7/13, 10:00am, FCF Office

Teen Career Awareness Meeting

7/5/13, 10:00am, FCF Office

Teen Career Awareness Meeting

8/2/13, 10:00am, FCF Office

Teen Career Awareness Meeting

9/6/13, 10:00am, FCF Office

Teen Career Awareness Meeting

10/4/13, 10:00am, FCF Office

Teen Career Awareness Meeting

11/1/13, 10:00am, FCF Office

Teen Career Awareness Meeting

12/6/13, 10:00am, FCF Office

Job Shadowing Project Overview

WHY A “JOB SHADOWING” PROJECT?

àPersonal Experience has the biggest influence on student’s career decisions.

à45% of seniors have NOT participated in any type of first-hand career experience while in high school.

à32% do NOT have a specific career plan upon graduation.

(Data derived from surveys of Washington County students)

THE NEED!

àEconomic recovery will result in pent up demand for workers, especially skilled workers.

àIn-demand jobs require “skills” beyond high school.

à51% of students can identify no one in high school advising them on career or job options.

WHO BENEFITS?

à Students! Students are better aware of local opportunities and the skills needed to aquire local employment.

àBusinesses!An increased pool of skilled employees allows companies to grow and prosper.

àWashington County!Thriving businesses equates to economic growth for our community.

àSchools!Due to limited resources, the community supports schools.

PROJECT GOALS

àIdentify high school students unsure of career paths

àIdentify local in-demand jobs

àIdentify and coordinate job shadowing opportunities for students

àIdentify community partners for on-going grassroots financial support

àJob Shadowing Coordinator serves as one point of entry for schools and businesses, thus reducing duplication.

PROJECT OUTCOMES

Short-term - Youth gain knowledge about career option choices to assist in making informed career decisions

Intermediate - Increased post secondary education / training plans in place by high school seniors upon graduation

Long-Term - Youth successfully transition into adulthood.

The Job Shadowing Project is an initiative of Washington County Family & Children First Council’s Teen Career Awareness Workgroup:a partnership of schools, business, industry, economic and workforce development, government, civic groups and other community partners.

MORE INFORMATION

Partnership Agreement

Job Shadowing Program Application

LOGIC CHAIN

TOP JOBS

Financial Partners

Workgroup Member List

SFY 2008 Annual Plan

HB289 SFY 2009 Annual Report