All Youth-One System
Equity, accessibility and equality in resources and outcomes for all youth.
No matter the age, no matter the environment, all youth need the same things to successfully transition to life as adults. New Ways has created tools that can be tailored and customized for local organizations to help address a population’s distinct circumstances, based on a sound universal foundation.
New Ways to Work pioneered All Youth – One System ™, a comprehensive approach to education, job training and social service supports that equips youth with the tangible tools necessary to be active, engaged, effective members of the workforce and the community.
What Does a Comprehensive Local Youth-Serving System Look Like?
In a comprehensive and connected local youth system, programs, initiatives, and institutions work together to eliminate the duplication of services, maximize the impacts of multiple funding sources, and implement long-range plans to improve outcomes for the youth they serve. There is a systemic approach and infra-structure that supports access to and the engagement of employers and workplace partners, schools and training organizations, social services and community organizations, and families and neighborhoods to serve the needs of young people as they prepare for life as adults.
Four core Elements, illustrated in the chart above, need to be in place in order to provide a balanced set of services, support and opportunities to youth and ensure their success as they transition to adulthood. These four content elements are supported by a fifth: a community-wide structure and approach that ensures the coordination of a continuum of services across programs, institutions and projects, and delivers those programs and services through a youth development approach.
The Five Elements
Academic Achievement
All youth are engaged in their learning in the classroom and expected and supported to achieve high academic and career technical standards at all levels of the educational system.
Career Development
All youth are provided learning opportunities and experiences in the workplace and community. They are exposed to a range of activities that further their career awareness, help them develop personal career goals, and build the skills they need to be successful in the future.
Community Services and Support
All youth experience positive connections to caring adults and peers, and receive services in safe environments. Services and community supports target and address individualized needs.
Youth Leadership
Youth are engaged and visibly active in leadership roles in the community and take an active role in designing and determining the activities and opportunities provided to them.
Comprehensive Youth Development Approach
A formal, networked system of institutions, providers, and programs is in place and provides a comprehensive set of services and supports that support successful transitions for youth. Youth development principles of thriving, learning, working, connecting, and leading are infused throughout the system.