At Roadmap to Success™, we believe in the power of personal development as a cornerstone for future success. Recently, I had the privilege of leading an 8-week course for youth in foster care at Together for Youth, formerly known as Berkshire Farms. This initiative, generously sponsored by the Touhey Foundation, aimed to equip these young individuals with the skills and confidence needed to navigate their personal and professional lives.
Program Overview
The course, originally designed to focus on workforce readiness, quickly evolved into a journey of personal growth. With participants ranging from 13 to 18 years of age. It became clear that this group would benefit more from personal development than traditional career readiness. Many of these youth had not been provided with the foundational skills often learned in a stable household.
Key Outcomes
1. Personal Development: Throughout the course, participants demonstrated significant growth in self-esteem, communication skills, and overall confidence. These are crucial attributes that will serve them well in any future endeavors, whether in their personal lives or careers.
2. Skill Acquisition: Despite the shift in focus, the youth gained practical skills such as resume building, interview techniques, and problem-solving. These skills were tailored to their current needs, preparing them for the challenges they may face as they transition into adulthood.
3. Goal Setting and Achievement: At the start of the program, each participant set personal goals, and I am proud to report substantial progress in this area. Through the introduction of SMART goals, participants began setting daily objectives, a habit that will foster continued personal growth.
4. Engagement and Participation: Engagement levels varied throughout the program, with a noticeable increase after the introduction of incentives for active participation. By the end of the course, two winners were chosen to receive gift cards based on their engagement, and one participant received a $100 gift card for submitting a completed book assignment.
Survey Results
To ensure continuous improvement, we compiled detailed results from various post-program surveys. These insights will guide future iterations of the program and help us better serve the needs of our participants as we'll as show the knowledge growth that took place during our cohort.
*Password to access all survey results is: Roadmap
Conclusion
The completion of this course marks a significant achievement for the youth involved. I am incredibly proud of the outcomes we have accomplished together. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Touhey Foundation for their generous sponsorship and to Together for Youth for their ongoing partnership. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of these young individuals, paving the way for a brighter future.
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