1. What is the Hinds County Senior Transition Program?
The overall purpose of this program is twofold. First, it is designed to be responsive to the needs of graduating high-school seniors in Hinds County as they plan for and transition to the next stage of their lives, whether it is toward post-secondary education, the military or straight into the workforce. The program provides work-readiness and life skills training to students through interactive workshops.
2. Who does the program target?
The program targets eligible high school seniors who are actively attending a public high school located in Hinds County, Mississippi and who are academically on track to graduate no later than the spring of 2010.
3. How many students does the program serve?
The program plans to serve approximately 325 students in twelve schools within Hinds County. Visit our Web site at www.transitions.ms to see which schools are participating. Although we recognize that many students want to participate, funding will not allow us to serve more at this time. We hope that there will be opportunities for more students to be served in the future. This is why it is important that students get their paperwork in as soon as possible. First come. First serve.
4. What does it mean by “must be on track to graduate in the spring?”
This means that students will have enough units to graduate in the Spring and that they will be satisfying all requirements for graduation. We recognize that students may also complete requirements in December. If a student finishes in December, he/she can still participate in the program.
5. How does the program work?
•Potential participants will be pre-certified and subsequently enrolled in the program. Upon verification of age and income eligibility, DREAM, Inc. will administer an appropriate assessment of work readiness skills. Those individuals identifying a qualifying work-readiness barrier will be eligible for enrollment into the program.
•Students will attend an orientation of the Hinds County Senior Transition Program (HCSTP) and go on a field trip to the local WIN Center to learn how to conduct a job search and how to utilize the many resources WIN offers.
•Students will prepare a written Personal Career Plan based on their interests, aptitudes and preferences, which will serve as a roadmap for future plans.
•Students will build and sharpen their skills in a number of related disciplines through a series of interactive workshops.
•Transition Coordinators will assist participants in the preparation of their individual plans and throughout the program, and will schedule qualified members of local community businesses and/or public agencies to lead the workshops.
•Students will demonstrate mastery, as determined by the presenter and the Transition Coordinator of the workshop material through the completion of various projects or exercises.
•Documentation of each student’s work will be maintained in both the student’s notebook and the Coordinator’s case files, and will be collated into a portfolio with a SMW Certificate of Completion upon completion of the program.
•Students must complete all facets of the program in order to qualify for the $250 incentive.
6. What are considered work-readiness barriers and what are life skills?
1. Work readiness barriers are skills that may prevent a student from entering the workforce. For example, not having a resume, no goals, or job interview knowledge.
2. Life skills are the skills necessary to be successful high school students; such as coping skills, stress management and emotional intelligence.
7. Who runs the program?
The program is coordinated by DREAM, Inc. and funded by Southcentral Mississippi Works. The Central Mississippi Planning and Development District serves as the fiscal agent for Southcentral Mississippi Works and provides fiscal and programmatic oversight of the program.
8. What is DREAM?
DREAM is an acronym for Developing Resources for Education in America, Inc., a nonprofit organization whose mission is to prevent youth substance abuse and promote healthy lifestyles. For the past 28 years, DREAM has worked statewide in Mississippi implementing many youth programs including mentoring, student drug testing, and youth leadership development; developed drug education curriculum for schools such as Smart Choices; coordinated drug education campaigns such as Red Ribbon Week; conducted workshops and spoke in school assemblies and communities on alcohol, tobacco and drug issues; and managed local, state, and federal grant programs. Our vision is changing lives. We are proud to coordinate the Senior Transition Program and look forward to helping you make a successful transition from high school.
9. Will there be any costs to me or my parents for my participation in the program?
No. There is no cost to you or your parents. However, you must make a commitment to participate in all aspects of the program. So, the cost to you will be some time and dedication.
10. What is Southcentral Mississippi Works (SMW)?
Southcentral Mississippi Works uses its federal funds to fund the Hinds County Senior Transition Program (HCSTP). SMW is a consortium of seventeen Mississippi counties dedicated to improving the skill levels of area residents and, thus, improving their employment opportunities while ensuring that area employers have access to a skilled and productive labor force.
11. What is Central Mississippi Planning and Development District (CMPDD)?
CMPDD handles the funding for SMW by serving as it fiscal agent to monitor the programmatic and fiscal operations of the Hinds Senior Transition Program. CMPDD is a sub-state regional planning organization serving the governments of seven adjacent counties in central Mississippi - Copiah, Hinds, Madison, Rankin, Simpson, Warren and Yazoo.
12. How is this program funded?
This program is funded with federal funds. DREAM was competitively selected and awarded the contract to implement the Hinds County Senior Transitions Program and is reimbursed by CMPDD for costs associated with the program. Funds cover Transition Coordinator salaries, program supplies, and other related expenses.
13. What is WIA?
You will hear several “acronyms” related to this program. Acronyms are initials that abbreviate a name. For example, WIA stands for Workforce Investment Act, (WIA) which is a federally funded training and job program that makes the Senior Transition Program possible. The goal of WIA is to help workers improve their skills, get better jobs, and keep those jobs longer. WIA also helps many youth get and retain jobs and educational opportunities.
14. What and who determines eligibility and what documentation is needed?
Students who are on track to graduate in the Spring of 2010, meet certain income guidelines and need help in developing appropriate work-readiness skills are eligible for the program.
Documents to verify eligibility include:
• A Birth Certificate to verify age & citizenship
• A Social Security Card
• Additionally, male applicants 18 and above must provide a Selective Service number. Male applicants between the ages of 18 and 21 who have not registered with the Selective Service, or cannot produce a Selective Service number, will be given the opportunity to register. If they refuse, they will be declared ineligible to participate in WIA. If the applicant agrees to register with Selective Service, the applicant will complete the application and submit it to Selective Service. DREAM, INC. will maintain documentation in each participant’s file on Selective Service Registration.
CMPDD will make the final decision on eligibility after DREAM submits all paperwork. CMPDD will verify the information that we provide to them.
15. What would make a student ineligible for the program?
• does not meet certain income guidelines
• is not a resident of Hinds County
• is not a high school senior who is on track to graduate in the spring
• has no identified work readiness barriers.
Ineligible students will be referred to the WIN Job Center and other agencies for assistance.
16. Is there a lot of paperwork to complete to get into the program?
No. We need a few forms and some documents that students probably already have and if not, we can help you get the documents. It is important that students return any paperwork to the Transition Coordinator within three days to one week. Many students want to participate in the program and there are limited spots. Even if students turn in their paperwork, it does not guarantee a spot for them.
17. What is meant by “certain income guidelines?”
DREAM must adhere to certain general and economic eligibility using guidelines set by the federal government. To participate in the programs, students have to fall within these guidelines. Transition Coordinators will discuss this more with students.
19. Will parents’ income information be kept confidential?
Absolutely. In fact, not only will parents’ information be kept confidential, but any information we collect from students as well. We follow all ethical and legal guidelines for confidentiality
20. Will the program cause a student to be singled out by income or perceived to be a special need?
This program will not stigmatize or embarrass students in any way. In fact, it is a prestigious program and many students have gone on to be very successful after their experiences in the program. Students will be given recognition in the form of a recommendation letter and other ways to show that they have achieved a level of work readiness and have prepared for their futures.
21. What is the Pre-Application packet?
The Preliminary Application is used to collect pertinent information from applicants for determining initial eligibility for enrollment into the Hinds County Senior Transition Program (HCSTP). In order for a youth to enroll in WIA sponsored programs he/she must meet the eligibility criteria for the program. In addition, the youth must be a resident of the Southcentral Mississippi Works service area. Individuals who apply to participate in WIA sponsored programs must be evaluated for eligibility based on requirements as stated in the Act, regulations, state and local policies.
22. When is the Pre-Application due and how do I get it to the program?
Coordinators and service providers will collect all Preliminary Applications and Assessments of Work Readiness Skills with any required supporting documentation within a week of distribution. The documents will then be reviewed for completeness and accuracy, with a determination of initial eligibility made as soon as possible thereafter.
23. Have other students participated in the program and been successful?
Yes. This program is five years old and many students have had great success. Visit www.transitions.ms to read about some success stories.
24. What is an Individual Career Plan?
The program will help students come up with concrete goals to pursue after high school. This is like a roadmap for a student's future.
25. What is meant by Assessment?
A work-readiness pre-test to determine any barriers that students might have for pursuing their goals. For example, a student may not have a resume or know what to expect on a job interview. An assessment in not a test. It is a way to examine strengths and limitations and help students master them.
26. What happens in the orientation and where will it be held?
DREAM will provide a detailed orientation, which should last no more than two hours. The orientations will be held at the student's school. It will be lots of fun and an opportunity to learn more about the programs goals, rewards, and expectations. Students will receive a Syllabus and Policy Sheet that defines the structure, goals and requirements of the program, the timeframes involved, and responsibilities, the coordinators and instructors, and the benefits/incentives of completing the program. The student will take an exciting field trip to the WIN Job Center. While at the WIN Center, students will sign in and receive an orientation by the WIN Center staff to the WIN Center, its capabilities, resources and functions. This orientation will allow students to have “hands on” experience as time allows and this will count as one module/workshop toward the completion of the program. Students will be awarded a Certificate of Orientation by WIN Center staff demonstrating they have a knowledge of available community resources.
27. How will students get to the WIN Job Center for the orientation?
DREAM will work with schools to provide transportation so that students can attend the orientation with their peers and learn all the exciting resources that WIN has to offer.
28. Will I have to buy any supplies for the program?
Supplies will be provided by the program and will include notebooks, paper, dividers, pens, pencils, and portfolios. Students will be expected to keep up with these supplies as they will only be distributed once.
29. Why do I have to attend workshops and what if I have already attended a similar workshop?
30. Where will the workshops be held?
The workshops will be held at the school where the student attends.
31. What kinds of workshops will be held?
A) Financial literacy to include financial planning, budgeting, money management, banking, saving, obtaining and maintaining good credit.
B) Professional work behavior to include the importance of a positive attitude, appropriate dress, punctuality, attendance, good conduct and time management.
C) Social skills that will include instruction in independent living, conflict resolution, parenting, and interacting with others.
D) Job search, resumes, applications for employment and interviewing skills.
E) College life, applications, financial aid, counseling, career/training
32. How many workshops will students have to attend and when will they be held?
The number of workshops to be held will depend on students' work readiness needs. There will also be other workshops that students can elect to attend. All of the workshops will be very useful to students. The Transition Coordinator can talk more with students about this. The workshops will take place after all paperwork is in and processed and students are determined eligible.
33. Who will teach the workshops?
DREAM will coordinate with the private for-profit sector, the nonprofit sector and the public sector to secure volunteer workshop instructors. The volunteer instructors will collaborate with DREAM, Inc. to assess and document your performance/achievement of the material presented in each workshop. Records and/or copies of this performance/achievement will be maintained in individual files. Upon documentation of satisfactory attendance and completion of the course material, students will receive an incentive award of $250.00.
34. When will students have time to attend the workshops?
We will work with the schools to determine the best time for the workshops. Some workshops will be held during free period and others will be coordinated with Senior Seminar, if this is available at the school. Students will not miss any classes by participating in the program.
35. Will there be homework and grades?
Students' work in the workshops will be examined to determine that students are learning. There won’t be formal grades that will go on record. There will be minimal homework.
36. Will this program interfere with student's school work?
No. It will enhance school work by giving students additional knowledge and information. It is also up to students to ensure that the program does not interfere with school work. Students will be learning to handle and balance responsibilities, which is part of transitioning into life beyond high school
37. Can students get out of the program any time?
We hope that students will not want to get out of the program, but we know that sometimes circumstances may require that they do. Students will be encouraged to talk with Transition Coordinator before a decision is made. Even if students participate in most of the workshops and have to leave the program, DREAM cannot provide you with the $250 stipend.
38. Will students get any kind of credit for being in the program?
Students will get a letter of recommendation from the program and recognized by their school for participating. However, there is no formal credit for participating in the program.
39. When does the program end?
The Transition Program is a year-round program. However, students must successfully complete all of the workshops by April.
40. What are considered successful outcomes for the students?
This is a very good question and a most important one. The program is all about results. Here are some of the outcomes that are expected of the program:
1) Mastery of each of the work readiness and life skills behaviors indicated as “deficient” by the individual pre-test assessment, which will be accomplished through the provision of a series of work readiness and life skills training workshops led by uncompensated volunteer instructors from the local communities
2) Within the first quarter after exit from the program, evidence of successful placement/entry into unsubsidized employment, post secondary education, the military or a qualified apprenticeship, which will be accomplished through the provision, either directly by DREAM, Inc. or through referral to the appropriate entity, of placement services and assistance.
41. Can students be put out of the program once they are eligible and enrolled?
Students are expected to use socially suitable language and behavior and maintain scholarly demeanor or be subject to dismissal from the program.
42. What is the attendance policy?
Students will be required to attend all workshops, seminars and scheduled meetings in order to successfully complete the program and qualify for the $250 incentive award. No exceptions will be made to this policy. Each student will sign in at each workshop and sign-in sheets will be kept on file.
43. What is a portfolio and why is it important?
A portfolio is a notebook or carrying case which contains copies of your work during the program. Many students have shown it to prospective employers or used it in college to showcase their skills and talents. The portfolios should be well organized and reflect the student's best work.
44. What are the student's responsibilities?
To have a commitment to complete the program; attend scheduled meetings and workshops; agree to cooperate with follow-up after program ends; Exhibit a serious and professional attitude.
45. Who are the Transition Coordinators, what are their responsibilities and how can they be contacted?
A Transition Coordinator will be assigned to each school and will be the primary contact for all issues related to the program. They will serve as a counselor and mentor; contact students regarding schedules and changes; evaluate students' work; ensure that program activities take place as scheduled; Assist in development of student's Personal Career Plan; and maintain an individual program file on progress. Visit www.transitions.ms to meet the DREAM Transition Coordinators. Their telephone numbers and email addresses will be listed.
46. Why does the program give each student $250?
Because the program wants to be able to assist with any educational supplies, school and/or work clothes that students might need as they pursue their goals. Also, it’s an incentive for students' commitment to staying focused on the future.
You may also be able to receive:
• Priority for an ITA (Individual Training Account) – a type of limited scholarship - through the WIN Job Center for vocational/technical training at a WIA-eligible training provider, OR
• Priority for standard or individual OJT (On the Job Training) as available through the WIN Job Center. No incentives/rewards will be available to students who do not complete the program for any reason, nor will incentives/rewards be prorated. Students are required to attend all scheduled sessions and must sign in each time to maintain a documented record of attendance.
