Adolescent Vocational Exploration (AVE) combines classroom study with field exploration to provide a balanced course of academic and experiential learning. AVE is a nationally validated Experience-Based Career Education model. The goal of this program, focused mainly on 14-15 year old students, is to keep at-risk youth in school, through career exploration, career decision-making skills, basic skills development, and counseling. The program also includes training in competencies recommended by the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS). SCANS skills enable youth to compete in today's workforce. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible for up to one academic credit. Current programs are located in Elmira, New York, Long Island City, Far Rockaway, Utica, Elmsford, Bronx, Brooklyn, Central Islip, Rochester, Buffalo, and Batavia; Request for Proposal (RFP)
Contact: Denise M. Landy - (518) 457-0219; usfdmh@labor.state.ny.us

Another Chance Initiative for Education, Vocation, or Employment (ACHIEVE) focuses on increasing employment readiness and basic skills of school dropouts through on-the-job training, work experience, placement, remediation, GED preparation, counseling and SCANS skills development. The focus group for this program is teen parents and homeless youth generally ages 18-19. Ages may range from 16-21 years, however. Current programs are located in Schenectady, Peekskill, Hempstead,
New York, Long Island City, Elmira, Jamestown, Brooklyn, Rochester, and Buffalo; RFP
Contact: Denise M. Landy - (518) 457-0219; usfdmh@labor.state.ny.us

Jobs for Youth (JFYAP) Apprenticeship Program - JFYAP is a two-year program which targets in-school 11th and 12th graders and out-of-school youth who would have been in those grades, with preference to custodial parents. Based on the New York State Apprenticeship Council's School-to-Work (SWAP) policy paper, the JFYAP model offers an integrated program of academics, work-related instruction, and supervised, structured on-the-job training. Following program completion, youth are transitioned into full-time registered apprenticeships, in combination with post-secondary studies. Current programs are located in Syracuse, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Buffalo. This is a Legislative Initiative.
Contact: Robert Gaesser - (518) 457-0209; usarrg@labor.state.ny.us

Junior Green Teams is an environmentally-focused placement program that provides out-of-school youth, ages 16-21, with tangible work experience supplemented by academic skills, pre-employment skills training and supportive services. Literacy in reading, writing and mathematics; preparation for the General Education Development (GED) or high school completion; proficiency in life skills; and preparation for employment are program expectations. The ultimate goal is placement of participants into full time employment related to the environment. Current programs are located in Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, Elmira, Long Island City, Yorktown Heights, Staten Island, Utica, and Poughkeepsie; RFP
Contact: Kathleen Pete - (518) 457-0219; usckm1@labor.state.ny.us

Progressive Adolescent Vocational Exploration (PAVE) is similar to the previously mentioned AVE program, but it is directed toward the 15-18 year old. Its aim is to provide skills transferable to the workplace and to increase a participant's desire to pursue higher education. A two-year course of study, the first year focuses on classroom activities, skills development and experiential learning activities. The second year focuses on work based learning experiences, internship, job preparation skills and career decision making. Annually upon successful completion of a course of study, participants receive academic credit. This program also covers the aforementioned SCANS components. Current programs are located in Amsterdam, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Utica, New York, Long Beach, Corona, Rockaway, Brooklyn, Central Islip, Buffalo, Rochester, White Plains, Spring Valley, and Niagara Falls; RFP
Contact: Denise M. Landy - (518) 457-0219; usfdmh@labor.state.ny.us

Youth Work Skills (YWS) assists economically disadvantaged, out-of-school youth ages 16-21, but especially 18-19 year olds who are reading at or below the 5^th grade level. This yearlong program provides basic academic skills, support services, work experience and placement into unsubsidized employment. In addition, it offers GED preparation as well as SCANS skills development. The program stabilizes youth and teaches them to become job-ready. Participants include homeless youth, teen parents, youth with legal offenses and those with a history of multi-problem life experiences. Current programs are located in Newburgh, Buffalo, Rochester, Poughkeepsie, Brooklyn and Bronx; RFP
Contact: Denise M. Landy - (518) 457-0219; usfdmh@labor.state.ny.us