Education & Workforce Development

It is often said that education is the key to advancement. The Education & Workforce Development (EWD) staff work to ensure that homeless and at-risk youth gain access to myriad opportunities to enhance their lives. The program unit is comprised of the following services:

Assessment: After receiving a psychosocial assessment in Service Management, youth are directed to the Career Assessment Center. There they work with a variety of educational and career exploration materials to determine their strengths and challenges, employment and vocational experiences, skills, interests, aptitudes, and social readiness to work. A profile is compiled of the youth’s achievement level in reading and math, career interests, and comprehension of potential barriers to success. This profile is shared with the youth’s Service Manager and education and employment staff to ensure that all identified needs are addressed.

Education: Covenant House Washington offers instruction in Adult Basic Education (ABE), General Education Development (GED), and college and Scholastic Aptitude (SAT) skills. Education specialists are trained in the use of PLATO Learning Software. Using graphics, animation, and sound, the web-based adult literacy software allows learners to work at their own pace. Users can access instruction at any time, anywhere a computer with internet access is available. The software's interactive capabilities and immediate feedback component motivate the learner to want to succeed.

Employment Development: Based on the results of the assessment process, youth identify employment and career options. They receive guidance and encouragement as they develop new skills through training, internships, and work-study activities. Once a youth is employed, whether full-time or part-time, a Placement and Retention Specialist helps them maintain employment.