STEP~UP (Skills, Training, Employment Preparation ~ Ultimate Paycheck)

History
The STEP~UP Program is a continuation of the former WORKplus program which was offered by Cornell University Cooperative Extension and the Broome County Urban League. During the Summer of 2009, these two organizations joined up with Broome-Tioga Workforce New York to offer young adults the One-Stop Employment Experience called STEP~UP, which stands for: Skills, Training, Employment Preparation ~ Ultimate Paycheck.

STEP~UP Program Overview
The STEP~UP program is offered in collaboration by Broome-Tioga Workforce New York, Cornell University Cooperative Extension and the Broome County Urban League to provide young adults ages 18 to 24 the tools they need to succeed in today’s careers. These tools include the following:

• Occupation Training through Broome-Tioga BOCES
• Nationally Recognized Internet & Core Computing Certification (IC3)
• Nationally Recognized Work Readiness Credential
• GED Preparation Classes
• Literacy and Numeracy Study Classes
• Assistance in Searching for Employment
• Employment Placement
• And Much More!

Associates will receive an individualized success plan based on their interests and our assessments in addition to the tools previously mentioned to help them obtain their career goals.

• Skills  STEP~UP will prepare associates with the skills needed to further their training, education or employment opportunities. We are offering GED preparation to help you pass and receive your High School Equivalency Diploma. If associates already have their diploma but require a reading and math refresher, then we also offer literacy and numeracy study classes.
   
• Training  In Collaboration with Broome-Tioga BOCES, the STEP~UP program is presenting young adults with the opportunity of a life time to receive occupational training. Some of the available training programs include:
  

  Health Occupations Building Maintenance Home Energy Business Management

  Additionally, the Broome County Urban League is offering associates the chance to receive a certification in Internet & Core Computing (IC3) which is a nationally recognized certification program in basic computing and Internet knowledge and skills. An IC3 certification will make you more marketable to a potential employer in today’s competitive job market or assist you in furthering your education at a post-secondary institution.
   
• Employment Preparation  In addition to all of the skills and training offered by STEP~UP, we are also presenting associates with the opportunity to receive the nationally recognized Work Readiness Credential which will equip you with the skills to obtain entry level employment. Furthermore, we will assist you in finding temporary employment while you are in the STEP~UP program. Upon completion of the program, we will provide job placement services so you can find employment in your specified trade! We also offer workshops from area employers. Some employers who have visited the STEP~UP program are: Lourdes, Lowes, Wegmans and all branches of the United States Military.
   
• Additional Services  STEP~UP provides many additional services to help you meet your education and employment goals. We will provide you with a personal case manager to work with you on any life essentials or barriers that you might experience including: shelter, food, clothing, child care, transportation and much more. Additionally, we will offer workshops featuring organizations from the local community to talk to you about such topics as parenting, furthering your post-secondary education and domestic abuse. Some of these organizations include: Planned Parenthood, Gang Prevention, United Way’s First Call for Help and Crime Victim’s Assistance Center.

For more information contact:
STEP~UP at Workforce New York
171 Front Street
Binghamton, NY 13905
607.778.2136

WORKplus Overview

WORKplus is a 12-week program targeted to young adults 18-21 years.  WORKplus Associates receive an individualized plan based on interests, assessments, local opportunities, services education, and training.

WORKplus provides paid instruction, group work, career planning and exploration, job seeking and job keeping practice and support, motivation, mentoring, case management, computer skills credential and other Work opportunities. Connections to a GED program will be required for those lacking a diploma or GED, with support to insure participation and success.

A Work Experience at a local business or non-profit is one of the activities available to Associates offering placements in local growth industries, such as health care, IT and trades. Associates will receive assistance from WORKplus staff and Broome Tioga Workforce New York personnel in completing their job search.

For more information contact:
Cornell Cooperative Extension at 607.772.8955 x140
or, Broome Workforce NY at 607.778.2136

Urban League Youth Development Program Overview

Urban League Youth Development Program is targeted to WIA eligible, in-school youth ages 14-18 years.

The Urban League Youth Development Program provides workforce development skills which includes Basic Technology Training resulting in IC3 (Computing Core Certification ) certification, GED services, academic enrichment, mentoring, and work readiness training, workplace competency skills, and help with securing employment. IC³ is the ideal certification for anyone that wants to demonstrate critical computer and Internet skills valued in today’s academic and professional environments Program sessions will be 120 hours in length and participants will be paid minimum wage. Students can expect improved basic technology skills, work readiness skills, earning a high school diploma or GED, and getting a job or going on to college.

Participants attend classes Monday through Thursday, 2 hours per day with Friday reserved for more one-on-one instruction to be used when needed. Tutoring and mentoring is available Monday through Friday.

For more information contact:
Broome County Urban League 607.772.4765
or, Broome Workforce NY at 607.778.2136

JOB CORPS Overview

Job Corps is an Employment and Training Program designed to assist young people, at least 16 and not yet 25 years of age at the time of enrollment, who both need and can benefit from the wide range of services provided at a Job Corps center.

Job Corps offers academic, vocational, and life skills training through a unique approach of competency-based, individualized instruction. Services include: basic education; High School Diploma; General Education Development (GED); vocational skills training; advanced training; personal and career counseling; residential living programs; healthcare; and related support services.

Because Job Corps is a self-paced program, lengths of enrollment vary. Students may remain in the program for up to 2 years, but the average length of enrollment is approximately 7 months. An optional third year is granted for students who qualify for advanced training.

The Oneonta Job Corps Center offers training in the following programs:
Business Clerical, Culinary Arts, Nurses Aide, Electrician, Welder, Child Care Worker, Tile Setter, Auto Repair Technician, Auto Body Repair, Cement Mason.

For more information about the Job Corps program contact:
Ana Shaello-Johnson, Outreach & Admissions Counselor
800.758.7502 x 1445
or, Broome Workforce NY at 607.778.2136