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Forward Thinking Program Model

Traditional methods and strategies of serving at-risk youth are failing. Programs who focus on these strategies are finding that out more and more when faced with the daunting task of recruiting, retaining, and engaging these youth that they are committed to serve. Without question, there needs to be a fundamental shift in the way that youth workforce and development organizations approach this commitment.

Identifying the problem and addressing it head on is the key to implementing successful change. As it stands, part of the problem that programs and organizations are encountering stems from an organization’s inability to depart from a program model that has not been distinguished by outstanding success. For the past 40 years, policymakers and funding components have followed the path of least resistance - framing program models and strategies in a manner inconsistent with the changing nature of our youth population. It goes without saying that what worked in 1960 will not necessarily work in 2007. The dynamics of youth thinking and culture are undeniably different, and require that methodology bends and changes to meet these youth where they are now. The days of 8-track programs in a MP3 world are over. Recognizing this, many organizations are searching for a different approach – a relevant and engaging results-driven approach that is pertinent to the needs of the target population and the times they live in. To answer this call, YDRF has developed the Youth Engagement Program Model. Though the model is designed to accomplish the same goals as a traditional program, the approach of a forward-thinking program model focuses on what is relevant to today’s youth.

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Traditional Method

Intake
Assessment
Service
Outcomes

Forward Thinking

Initiation
Self Discovery
Breakthrough
Integration

Initiation

The initiation stage of program services is characterized by activities that build a high degree of excitement and energy centered around achieving a program or personal goal. When introduced to this program, the impact of the presentation gives youth a sense of empowerment, and the new belief that they can meet a high degree of personal success. They are very enthusiastic about sharing this message with their family and peers and have a high level of confidence that they can do it. This in turn results in rapid and impact-driven change for your students.

Self-Discovery

During the self-discovery stage, programs initiate services and activities that lead to an awakening, certainty, and an inflated sense of energy and self among program participants. This development occurs through direct visualization of the model work of others. When confronted with success, the reality of achieving success themselves seems like an easy task and faces little resistance or the desire to cling to traditional methods. The model appears to be as genuine as it seemed during the initiation. Confidence in the efficacy of the training/program increases. This confidence becomes necessary to move participants forward.

Breakthrough

Characterized by a feeling of enlightenment, renewed energy, confidence, and an increased clarity of purpose and vision, breakthrough should be viewed as a constant push and striving towards life, freedom and FEO. Breakthrough usually requires some kind of impetus or catalyst (job, GED, program completion, civic engagement). This catalyst can be a moment of profound success or even failure, a radical shift in expectations, or the guidance and mentorship of an external agency who has a deeper, more experienced faith in the new belief system and/or practices.

Integration

Programs that assist youth in achieving breakthrough, helps them develop a renewed faith and commitment to life, freedom and future economic opportunity. Integration is really a synonym for continuous improvement because it is in essence a belief system. It is the process of helping youth become fully aware of who they are, where they are, and what they need to do to continue on their FEO journey. Programs focus on providing all participants with activities that promote the integration of life, freedom and future economic opportunity. At this level, the inclusion of other community partners is essential. By this point, the majority of participants have completed formal program services. Continued support and guidance is necessary beyond the WIA follow-up period to ensure that this evolution is supported and reinforced.

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