Freedom 4 Youth’s career-oriented services focus on further developing the skill sets that youth already have and translating them into workforce applicable qualifications so youth can attain and retain employment. Our primary career curriculum is the evidence-based Working at Gaining Economic Self-Sufficiency (WAGE$) program. This program includes a career assessment in which youth identify careers they may want to pursue based on their personal interests, an employment centered goal-setting activity, a review of the correlation between education and income levels, assistance with creating resumes and cover letters, where to look for jobs, interview tips and mock interviews, and how to budget. We also provide all of the WAGE$ curriculum components and customize them to meet individual needs, as some youth may only need help with interviewing, creating a resume, or learning to budget more effectively.
In addition, we utilize our energized community network to locate more job options for the youth and adults we serve. Youth have attained job placements at UCSB, Tropicana Gardens Housing in Isla Vista, San Ysidro Ranch, Boathouse Restaurant, Fresco Cafe, Alisal Ranch, Santa Barbara City College, LuVanVi Foods, Walmart, and Marriott, as well as a variety of independently owned movers, plumbers, electricians, and construction businesses. We have also facilitated monthly career camps and business tours in partnership with the Work Force Development Board of Santa Barbara County.
