Are you between the ages of 16 and 24 years old and searching for career guidance? Whether you are looking to earn a GED, enroll in a post-secondary training or education program, or secure employment, our Youth and Young Adult Program is here to support you!
PA CareerLink® has a comprehensive youth program for both in-school and out-of-school youth/young adults who face barriers to employment established under Title 1 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014.
Our program is here to help you achieve your career goals! Our team will listen to your needs and work with you to create a plan for success. Get started by completing our interest form below:
GED (High School Equivalency Diploma)
PA CareerLink® staff can assist you in your quest to obtain your high school equivalency diploma (GED), a good job, and/or post-education and training opportunities. Staff maintains close contact with students on a regular basis to prepare them for the workforce, college or other advanced training, or to enter the armed forces.
Goals We Can Help You with:
- Improve academic scores and obtain your GED diploma
- Learn occupational skills
- Find a job and work towards possible advancement
- Enroll in college, a training school, or Job Corps
Other Services include:
- Career assessments
- Cost coverage for your GED subject tests
- Employability skills workshops
- Incentives
- Occupation skills credential
- Paid work experience
- Supportive services, i.e. transportation
To be eligible, young adults must:
- Be between the ages of 18 and 24
- Live in Luzerne County
- Have a valid Social Security Card, Birth Certificate and Pennsylvania Picture ID
- High school graduates must provide proof of income
- Complete an English and Math pre-test
If you are 18-24 years of age and would like to enroll in our program, please click the button below to get started.
If you have any questions, please contact:
- Luz Marte, Youth Program Manager, 570-459-3854 ext. 132, lmarte@careerlinkluzerne.org
- Stefany Rodriguez, In-School Youth Specialist, 570-459-3854 ext. 107, srodriguez@careerlinkluzerne.
org - Rhonda Leshko, Out-of-School Youth Specialist, 570-459-3854 ext. 116, rleshko@careerlinkluzerne.org
To speak to a bilingual Youth Program member, contact Stefany Rodriguez.
Diploma and Transcript
- Upon completing the program, our team will assist you in obtaining a copy of your diploma and transcript.
- For former students and all other requests, please click here to order your diploma and transcript online.
Training Opportunities
PA CareerLink® is proud to support youth, ages 18-24, with barriers to employment find paid career training opportunities! Complete our intake form and begin planning your future today.
Paid Work Experience
Participants enrolled in the Young Adult Opportunity and Education Program are eligible for paid work experiences. The PA CareerLink® Luzerne County at Wilkes-Barre partners with local businesses and organizations to provide valuable and meaningful work for a short-term period. Young adults can earn up to $10.15 per hour through the program.
Services include:
- Develop your soft skills by participating in workshops provided by The Northeast PA Manufacturers and Employers Council, Inc. (Business Etiquette, Communication, etc.)
- Ongoing support from on-site supervisor(s)
- Job coaching by PA CareerLink® team members
Benefits of Participating in the Work Experience Program for Local Employers include:
- Businesses obtain a soft-skilled trained young adult at no cost to the employer. The young adults are paid through workforce development dollars.
- Your employees develop their own supervisory skills as they mentor the work experience participant. By doing so, your employees help our young adults improve their future job opportunities and learn what the demands and expectations are of the working world.
To become a business partner or learn more, please contact:
-
Luz Marte, Youth Program Manager, 570-459-3854 ext. 132, lmarte@careerlinkluzerne.org
In-School Youth Services
The In-School Youth Program will help you attain your diploma, while affording you the opportunities to grow in vocational skills and/or preparation for college/military.
The program is designed for in-school youth who are freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. We offer a wide variety of life skills workshops, as well as workshops covering everyday necessities such as budgeting, time management, and self-esteem building.
Goals we can help you with:
- Improving academic scores and obtaining a High School Diploma
- Work readiness training and finding a job
- Maintaining a job and working towards possible advancement
- Exploring career pathways
- Starting college, trade school, Job Corps, or military
High Schools we currently serve:
- Hazleton Area Career Center
- Hazleton Area High School
If you’d like to enroll in our program, please click the button below to get started. It should take approximately between 10 to 15 minutes to complete the form.
If you have any questions, please contact:
-
Stefany Rodriguez, In-School Youth Specialist, 570-459-3854 ext. 107, srodriguez@careerlinkluzerne.
org
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Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are continuing to grow and if a typical educational approach isn’t for you, apprenticeships offer something a typical 4-year degree doesn’t – a paid job with a competitive wage from day one, education and the credentials you need all in one program.
Work Permits for Minors
Minors who reside in Pennsylvania and plan to work in Pennsylvania will apply for a work permit from the school district in which they reside, regardless of whether the minor is enrolled in the school district, attends a charter school or non-public/private school, or participates in a home education program.
For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, please click here.
Job Corps
Job Corps is a tuition-free training and education program that connects eligible young adults with the skills and educational opportunities they need to establish their careers. With over 123 Job Corps centers nationwide, young adults are able to TRAIN, LEARN, LIVE, and CONNECT:
TRAIN
- At Job Corps, you will TRAIN in high-growth industry sectors. All training programs are hands-on, and you will train in real work environments. When you finish your career training, you will earn industry-recognized credentials.
LEARN
While enrolled, you will LEARN new skills and choose the next step that is right for your future. Educational Advancement Opportunities may include:
- High school diploma or the equivalent through classroom and online program.
- Advanced training programs that allow you to earn additional credentials and take your training to the next level.
- Community college partnerships that allow Job Corps students to take college-level classes while living on center.
LIVE
Most students who attend Job Corps LIVE on campus. Additionally, most Job Corps Centers provide:
- Education and career training
- Housing/dormitories with nutritious meal options
- Basic medical care
- Enrichment and recreational activities
- Community outreach
- Positive environment with supportive instructors and career counselors
CONNECT
- As you prepare to leave the program, Job Corps will CONNECT you with the right people and resources needed to enter the workforce, pursue advanced training, or apply for higher education or an apprenticeship.
Interested Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be between the ages of 16 and 24 years old
- Be a US Citizen or legal resident
- Meet income requirements
- Be ready, willing, and able to participate fully in a residential, educational environment
For more information on Job Corps, please click here.
REAL Reentry Program
There’s a vast network of resources in Luzerne and Schuylkill counties to help people on probation or parole. The REAL Reentry Program helps them restart their lives using all the available tools with a foundation of advocacy and emotional support. Perhaps most importantly, REAL helps to overcome the stigma and embarrassment they feel. It encourages confidence so they can confront their past head on, then succeed.
SUCCESS STORIES
The REAL Reentry Program doesn’t just help people find jobs. It guides them toward jobs they want in careers they’re excited about. It works by helping people overcome barriers through advocacy and resources like job training and help with certifications. Through REAL, people who are on probation or parole explore all of their job options, even the ones that they might have written off as impossible.
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