To support this employment readiness program that offers disadvantaged young people ages 16 to 23 real work experience through participation in several youth businesses. Youth learn employment skills, such as workplace conduct, job search techniques, and keys to staying employed, as well as specific skills in bicycle repair, woodworking, small engine repair, cosmetology, jewelry design and manufacture, and food preparation. Produce grown in a greenhouse they constructed is sold to area restaurants. Participating youth earn a daily stipend. Nearly 100% of the participating youth gain hard and soft job skills and more than 50% acquire part-time employment.
