21st Century Continuum

Type: Program model: Year-round WorkReady programs for in-school youth

Description:
The development of 21st Century skills is essential to preparing youth for post-secondary success in a knowledge-based, global economy. In addition to building basic literacy and numeracy skills, this program model interweaves 21st Century skills acquisition and workforce development strategies to connect work and learning. Designed as a two-year experience that begins for a student in 11th and extends through 12th grade, the 21st Century Continuum model fosters an integrated approach to making learning relevant to career and college success. The model offers a progressive sequence of experiences that connects school-year and summer programming through out-of -school time activities and summer internships. The model is intended to support youth in successfully achieving the following:

21st Century and work-readiness skills development
Persistence in school, as demonstrated by grade promotion
Attainment of a High School Diploma
Post-secondary preparation
Post-secondary enrollment

During Program Year 2011-2012:
398 youth were served via this model in the last program year with the following results:

60% of 11thgrade participants were promoted to the 12th grade
80% of 12thgrade participants obtained a credential; the School District’s current on-time graduation rate is 61%
62% of 12thgrade participants transitioned into post secondary education and employment placements

Youth Eligibility

Enrolled as 11th graders in high school or eligible for a high school diploma within two years of starting the program
Ages 16 to 18
Seeking post-secondary education and/or viable employment placement at the time of program completion
WIA-eligible (meeting income and barrier requirements)
Attend one of the schools listed below

Contracted Provider Organizations	School Partners
De LaSalle Vocational	De LaSalle Vocational
District 1199C Training & Upgrading Fund	Lincoln High School
Federation of Neighborhood Centers	Furness High School Roxborough High School
Urban Affairs Coalition	Bartram High School
JEVS Human Services	George Washington High School
Philadelphia Futures	Multiple High School
University of Pennsylvania - Netter Center for Community Partnerships	Sayre High School University City High School

Funding:
Workforce Investment Act (U.S. Department of Labor / PA Department of Labor and Industry / Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation).

System Connections:

WorkReady Philadelphia

Philadelphia Council for College and Career Success

Philadelphia Works, Inc.

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