The Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development System offers a variety of programs and resources for youth, their families and youth services professionals.

Programs:

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Program: Bridges to the Future
This WIA Youth Program is supporting career exploration, readiness and planning for In School Youth in the Central Region.

GET2WORK
This WIA Youth Program is connecting young adults to Careers in the Central Region.

Pennsylvania Youth in Transition (PAYT)
In 2000, there were over 11,000 residents under the age of 25 in the Central Region who lack a high school diploma. The PAYT project is a region-wide effort to re-connect these youth to education and successful careers.

Resources:

Parents Toolkit - NOW AVAILABLE ON LINE!
Is your student wondering what courses to select for next year? Is your student having trouble choosing a career path? Are you wondering how to answer his or her questions about postsecondary education and careers? This kit includes a wealth of resources, including information on making school count, how Pennsylvania State Academic Standards for Career Education and Work can affect the students’ school experience and exploring careers. We have also included information on “hot” jobs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and WorkKeys^®, a nationally recognized skills assessment program endorsed by over 300 local employers. Equally as important, the kit highlights the role of a parent’s involvement in the process.

WorkKeys^®
This nationally recognized skills assessment, powered by ACT^®, assists high school students in identifying workplace skills, abilities and career interests. Successful completion of the assessment results in a Career Readiness Certificate that is useful in applying for further education and employment.

School Counts!
Students keep their grades up, come to school on time, take challenging academic courses and stay out of trouble. School Counts! encourages students to make the most of their important high school years and acquire the habits they will need to succeed.

STEM Initiative
Promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education is a vital component to growing a competitive workforce in the 20th century. Resources are available to help your students academically succeed and explore STEM occupations.

Youth County Profiles
Where do youth work? What types of industries are more likely to hire younger workers? Does more education really pay? These county-specific handouts are designed to provide information on employment trends for youth up to age 24.

Central Region Fast Facts
What types of career opportunities are available in the Central Region? These handouts are career-oriented to help you learn more about the growth potential and occupations in the region’s targeted industry clusters, including the growing natural gas industry.