Immediate Release

 For Information Contact:
Monday, October 28, 2002

David Mathis
798-5908

Eannace: Youth Can Earn, Learn Through Workforce Development Programs

Oneida County Executive Ralph J. Eannace Jr. today announced that three Oneida County youth programs are recruiting students who can use these programs to increase academic achievement, hone career skills or develop workplace skills.

The programs, offered through the Oneida County Office of Workforce Development, are the Junior Green Team, Adolescent Vocational Exploration (AVE) Program and Progressive Adolescent Vocational Exploration (PAVE) Program. All three offer a mix of education and training. AVE and PAVE offer academic support during the school year and paid internships during the summer; the Junior Green Team offers work experience all through the year.

"It is vital to the future of our region that we develop our workforce of the future while our young people are still in their teens. Through these programs, young people who are in school get support to complete school and focus on a career; while those who may have left school can receive a GED and the skills they need to find a job," Eannace said. "I encourage young people and those who work with them to help us bring in new participants who can learn, earn and achieve."

The programs include field trips to local employers, and community service projects. AVE helps younger teens improve educational, vocational and career awareness skills as well as attitudes toward work, school, self and others. PAVE helps older teens define career goals, improve attitude toward school, expand career awareness and develop a foundation of skills. Youth in the Junior Green Team are focusing on work experience that can lead to employment in environmental or "green" careers.

All three programs focus on the needs of youth between the ages of 14 and 19. There are some eligibility criteria. All three programs are funded through grants from the New York State Department of Labor.

For more information about PAVE and AVE, call Marian Bailey at 738-7219. For more information about the Junior Green Team, call Lydia Dedner at 735-7525.