Today Is Graduation For 'Workforce Investment Act' Youth In Contra Costa County

The Contra Costa County Office of Education’s Youth Development Services will be honoring today the recent high school graduates who are also enrolled in the In-School Youth Program, at their 14th annual Workforce Investment Act (WIA) graduation celebration.

The Class of 2014 is made up of 68 students throughout Contra Costa County who have recently graduated from their high school and completed the In-School Youth Program. 

Youth Development Services implements the in-school component of the Workforce Investment Act Program, and is funded by the Contra Costa County Workforce Development Board. 

YDS coordinators help students prepare for careers and/or post-secondary school, conventional training opportunities, and provide financial aid guidance. 

The program targets: 16-21 year-old youth, who meet the federal income eligibility guidelines, foster youth pupils, and students who are eligible for special education services. 

Participating students receive job internships, job shadowing opportunities, career assessments, and subsidized employment. 

“Each year, we recognize an extraordinary group of young people who have overcome significant obstacles to obtain their high school diplomas," says Youth Development Services Manager Catherine Giacalone. “We celebrate the success of their past and the promise of their future. Every one of these honored students has a post-secondary plan to enter a college, an apprenticeship program, or employment that pays a living wage.”

Approximately 40 of the 68 graduates will be on hand to receive their certificate of completion of the program and a $100 gift card at the ceremony at 6 p.m. in the boardroom at 1970 Santa Barbara Road in Pleasant Hill.