Youth Program

Youth Program

Information

Project L.E.A.D. (Linking Education, Advocacy, and Development)
Project L.E.A.D. (Linking Education, Advocacy and Development), trains mentors/tutors to assist middle school students enrolled in after-school programs at various schools and Community Centers in Riverside County. Mentors/tutors provide cross-generational mentoring and tutoring through character development activities such as recreation, crafts, art, music, computers and academic course work. Mentors receive comprehensive pre-service orientation and on-going training and support for 400 hours of program service. Project L.E.A.D. Youth Coordinators receive hourly pay and will have the opportunity to apply for a match savings incentive.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Project L.E.A.D. Youth Coordinators must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen or documented legal resident
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Possess a high school diploma or G.E.D.
- Meet “No Child Left Behind” (NCLB) compliance requirements – 45 college semester units or pass NCLB compliance exam
- Have reliable transportation to service sites
- Pass a fingerprint and background check
- Pass a Tuberculosis test
- Complete a Project L.E.A.D. Application For Service
- Sign a Project L.E.A.D. Youth Coordinator Participation Agreement
- Serve a minimum 350 hours
- Serve until the Agreement completion date regardless of when the minimum number of hours have been completed
- Successfully complete the term of service as determined in the Project L.E.A.D. Agreement


Pre-Apprenticeship Program

A win-win solution in the workplace!

The Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a workplace-mentoring program that matches high school juniors and seniors with small businesses throughout Riverside County. The youth are provided an opportunity to learn marketable job skills while still attending high school. Youth receive a stipend for a maximum of 520 hours at the prevailing minimum wage, are encourage to develop savings plan and participate in a savings incentive match. Community Action matches dollar-for-dollar up to $100 saved by each youth after he/she successfully completes the program. The Employer/Mentor also provides matching funds up to $100 saved by the youth.

​​​

 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

 

 - Youth must be in 11th or 12th grade and enrolled in High School.

 - An application must be completed.

- Youth must write a motivation statement and must be the youth’s own creation and writing.

- Youth household must meet poverty income guidelines (see table below).

 

2016 CSBG Poverty Guidelines

Size of Family Unit or

Number in Household

 

 

Monthly Income

 

 

Annual Income

1

$990.00

$11,880

2

$1,335.00

$16,020

3

$1,680.00

$20,160

4

$2,025.00

$24,300

5

$2,370.00

$28,440

6

$2,715.00

$32,580

7

$3,060.83

$36,730

8

$3,407.50

$40,890

 

For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $4,160 for each additional person.


       Program Eligibility Requirements 
Youth Must:
 Be from a family that meets the poverty guidelines.
 Be currently enrolled in high school grade 11 or 12.
 Be able to work in a business environment for a maximum of 520 hours.
 Be approved through school job placement program counselor.
 Open a savings account and agree to save a minimum of $100 during the 520 hours of work; savings are matched with $100 from the employer and $100 from Community Action upon successful completion of the program.
 Business Must:
 Employ 10 workers or less.
 Provide a safe work environment.
 Develop a training plan for the youth.
 Provide job mentoring to high school youth for a maximum of 520 hours.
 Provide $100 match for youth savings incentive.
 Provide workers compensation coverage for each youth participant.
 Undergo finger printing and background check.
 Participate in program orientation before placement of a youth.
 Provide work-related evaluation of youth.
 Be reimbursed monthly for youth stipend.
Program Goals
For Youth:
 • Learn marketable job skills and positive work habits.
 • Receive employment training.
 • Learn the importance of saving.
 • Continue with formal or technical education after high school.
 • Become role model for other youth.
 For Business:
 • Invest in youth development.
 • Exposed to new learning experiences as a mentor.
 • Acquire new management skills.
 • Recognized for community participation.
 • Become role model for other small businesses in the community.


Riverside County Mentor Collaborative

Mentor: A wise and trusted counselor, teacher or friend...
 The word mentor first appeared as a character's name in Homer's Odyssey. Mentor was the trusted counselor of Odysseus, to whom the king entrusted the safekeeping and development of his only son, Telemachus, during his travels.
 Mentors have always existed. For most of us, there was that special person-a teacher, a coach, a relative, a friend-who helped open the world to our dreams and lives.

 A Mentor...
 • serves as a role modelrivco MENTOR COLLABORATIVE
 • gives quality time
 • gives guidance
 • shares a hobby or interest
 • encourages a child (in sports, the arts, academics or community service)
 • simply listens

 What is RCMC?
 The Riverside County Mentor Collaborative is a partnership of mentor programs that assist, support, and encourage safe, positive mentor-mentee connections through:
 • Sponsoring mentor-trainer workshops
 • Support and technical assistance for mentors and mentor-trainers
 • Access to an 800 resource number to assist individuals and agencies
 • Maintain a comprehensive directory to mentor programs throughout Riverside County
 • The Partnership Between a Mentor and a Child
 A mentor-mentee partnership is a caring, encouraging, respectful, friendship between an older individual and a younger counterpart. Mentoring allows people to connect with each other and their community.

 As a mentor you will:
 • Help a child to explore new worlds
 • Share your experience/knowledge
 • Provide positive reinforcement
 • Develop positive goals and attitudes
 • Establish a friendship that lasts a lifetime
 • How Do I Become a Mentor?
 There are many ways to become a mentor, no special qualifications are needed. Ask yourself whether you want to become involved on a long-term or short-term basis. How do you want to spend your time? Do you want to teach, build a relationship, participate one-on-one, or in a group?
 After reflecting on your needs, contact the Riverside County Mentor Collaborative Information Line, at 1-888-MENTOR6 (toll free). You will be referred to a mentor group in your area that fits your needs.
 SPECIAL NOTE: All Mentor Programs require mentors to submit to a fingerprint and background check.
 For more info, check out the RCMC link

Field level help.