Finally, it is important to note that all of the strategies listed in this tool are geared to ensure successful outcomes for disadvantaged youth-- particularly those that are out of school because they graduated from high school, dropped out, and/or are unemployed or underemployed. To understand what outcomes can be anticipated, we encourage you to review the Guide for Youth-Serving Nonprofits to Developing Outcomes, Indicators, and Targets for Use in Performance Management. Program Component One 1: Build Positive Life Skills and Workplace Behaviors
Why it’s a Smart Program Component
A growing body of evidence suggests that positive life skills and workplace behaviors are essential to success in the workplace; and the demand for these skills has never been greater. These skills and behaviors are often described as 21st century skills--including leadership, collaboration, and critical thinking and social-emotional skills that …show more content…
Mentors should provide positive examples of role models who are successful in the world of work.
• Teaching skills through group instruction or training: Research shows that life skills and positive workplace behaviors can be gained through explicit exercises and activities that provide opportunities for exploration, learning, and role-playing. Further skills practice incorporated into other programmatic elements reinforces skills taught in a classroom setting.
• Youth leadership opportunities: Decision making, planning and self-esteem are bolstered by providing youth with programmatic leadership activities and opportunities. These activities provide youth with opportunities to practice and reinforce leadership skills and behaviors and get immediate feedback from program instructors to improve over