HCVSD Partners with Youth Employment Services (YES) Program

Flemington, N. J. – Youth in Hunterdon and Somerset counties have access to a free program that provides mentorship, training and other supports for reaching educational and employment goals. The Youth Employment Services (YES) Program welcomes individuals aged 16 to 24, who currently are out of school and facing challenges, to enroll and take a meaningful step toward a productive future. Participants can begin with the program virtually, given the current directives for social distancing. This format enables them to simultaneously hone technological skills that are becoming increasingly important across all industries.

“Hunterdon County Vocational School District is a partner in the YES program, accepting participants into training programs offered through the district’s Adult & Continuing Education division,” said Tanya Nalesnik, director of grant management, admissions and security for HCVSD. “At a time when many are uncertain about the future and looking for direction, this program can provide that guidance for struggling youth. We are proud of our affiliation with YES and our track record of helping participants develop their skills and prepare for employment.”

Through YES, participants have access to a workforce-training grant for vocational education of up to $4,000. Additional services and opportunities available to YES participants include case management, tutoring and instruction, 14 hours of paid job skills training, up to 20 hours of paid career sampling and attainment of one of many workplace credentials.

YES is funded by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Greater Raritan Workforce Investment Board. It accepts eligible youth and young adults on a rolling basis. Eligible youth are within the 16-24 age range, are out of school and face one of more challenges identified as a qualifier for the program: having a physical, mental health or learning disability diagnosis; involvement in juvenile or criminal justice; pregnant or parenting; or runaway or homeless. High school dropouts automatically qualify and receive assistance in attaining their High School Equivalency Diploma.

“This program is easily customizable to meet the unique needs and goals of participants, as well as the unprecedented obstacles presented by the current health crisis. We are able to support participants in various ways virtually, including practicing soft skills and conducting mock interviews,” said Susan Rozycki, outreach coordinator for Hunterdon County. “There is no cookie-cutter approach, but we do strive for all participants to have the same end results to become independent and reach their fullest potential.”

All YES participants receive a case manager, who acts more like a mentor, offering guidance and support throughout the program and for a full year after program completion.

To learn more about the YES Program, including eligibility requirements, visit www.yestoworknj.org , or contact Susan Rozycki at 908-635-6456 for Hunterdon County and Kyle Vandenberg at 908-725-7223 for Somerset County.

The Adult & Continuing Education division (hcvsdadulted.org) is among the five distinct schools offered by Hunterdon County Vocational School District. The largest is Hunterdon County Polytech Career & Technical High School (polytech.hcvsd.org), which is the district’s shared-time high school that prepares students for a seamless transition to college and career paths. HCVSD also operates three science-based academies. Learn more at www.hcvsd.org.

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