JEVS Human Services Announces Expansion of Opportunities for Philadelphia’s At-Risk Youth
JEVS’ Project WOW & 21st Century PASS
Programs Receive WIOA Grants
PHILADELPHIA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–JEVS
Human Services, one of the largest social service agencies in the
region offering skills training and career enhancement opportunities,
has announced that its recent acquisition of two Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants will expand its highly-effective
programming for at-risk in-school and out-of-school young adults in
Philadelphia.
“Philadelphia
Works’ commitment to these programs speaks to the quality of the
program experiences that JEVS provides for our city’s youth. We look
forward to building on those successes in assisting young adults in
transition – and creating a world-class workforce in Philadelphia and
beyond,” said Jay Spector, CEO of JEVS Human Services.
Funding for the grants was awarded through the Philadelphia
Council for College and Career Success, a committee of Philadelphia
Works, Inc. The Philadelphia
Youth Network serves as the managing partner of the initiative and
contracts with youth-serving organizations to operate programs for
in-school and out-of-school youth throughout the city.
JEVS’ Project
WOW, a building maintenance and GED prep program that recruits
out-of-school young adults (ages 18-24), will receive an award totaling
$574,000. Providing case management, academic skill building and GED
preparation, as well as property maintenance training leading to an
industry-recognized credential, Project WOW also connects its students
to employment or post-secondary education. Over the past five years,
Project WOW achieved a remarkable 85% graduation rate; WIOA funding will
allow JEVS to expand this program to include more in-depth GED
instruction and technical training.
JEVS’ 21st Century PASS (Preparing for, Achieving and Sustaining
Success) is an in-school program for at-risk high school students which
provides college and career readiness counseling, as well as 21st
Century skills training. With a completion rate of 98% over the past
five years at George Washington High School, PASS students have been
accepted and attend colleges throughout the country, and have earned
hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships, grants and other
financial aid. Awarded $292,000 in WIOA funding, the PASS program will
expand to two high schools within the School District of Philadelphia,
allowing more students to achieve their educational goals.
“We are extremely pleased to award WIOA funding to JEVS Human Services
for the Project WOW and 21st Century PASS programs. JEVS is a
regional leader in services to both in-school and opportunity youth and
Philadelphia Youth Network is excited to continue our partnership with
JEVS. This funding will allow JEVS to improve the futures of even more
Philadelphia youth,” said Chekemma Fulmore-Townsend, President and CEO
of Philadelphia Youth Network.
About JEVS Human Services: JEVS Human Services enhances the
employability, independence, and quality of life of individuals through
a broad range of programs. Consistent with our core principles and
entrepreneurial spirit, JEVS Human Services creates innovative and
sustainable solutions to address current and future community needs.
Contacts
JEVS Human Services
Kristen Rantanen, 215-854-1806
215-808-3783
(cell)
