2017 Annual E-Report 2017 Annual E-Report | Page 12

YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED Youth Opportunities Unlimited provides guidance on in-demand careers throughout the Coastal Bend and allows participants to experience these careers through on-going, meaningful career exploration and employment activities. Yo u t h O p p o r t u n i t i e s U n l i m i t e d SERVICES PROVIDED BY YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED (YOU)! Community Service Career Exploration Referrals to Community Partners Alternative Education Options Financial Aid Guidance Support Services Career Guidance & Counseling Leadership Development Tutoring & Study Skills Mentoring Activities Tuition/Book Assistance Paid Internships Informative Workshops Local Labor Market Information Participation Incentives Follow-Up Services CHOOSE! CAREER EXPO More than 1,100 students from 20 regional high schools, and 54 employers and trainers participated in the YOU CHOOSE! Career Expo at the American Bank Center Thursday, May 11, 2017. Students, their counselors and teachers spent the day visiting with local employers and training programs in: BUSINESS HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL SKILLS & TRADES PUBLIC SERVICE INDUSTRY SECTORS Coastal Bend College, Coastal Compass Education & Career Resource Center, Craft Training Center, Del Mar College, and the Corpus Christi Police Department provided interactive mobile simulators for the event. EARN & LEARN! Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend, in partnership with the Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) Program, launched YOU Earn & Learn! on May 1, 2017. This summer program helps create pathways to employ students with disabilities. Participation in this program provides students with workplace readiness training which prepares them for successful employment. Students receive the benefit of a paid work experience while identifying their future career goals. 47 Youth Participants placed with 22 Employers 11