There is a consensus, from both research and practice, that preparing youth for careers and adult roles requires more than the narrow range of training-related services commonly provided by youth employment and training programs.

According to David E. Brown, former director of the National Governors’ Association Center for Best Practices,

“Recent youth program research and emerging best practices suggest that youth services and supports that are grounded in a developmental approach not only help young people avoid self-destructive behavior but can also enable them to acquire the academic and work-readiness skills and personal attributes sought by employers. The research recommends the implementation of comprehensive youth development initiatives that provide young people with access to engaging learning environments, leadership development opportunities, personal challenges, nurturing mentors, sustained supports, consistent structure, and incentives that promote achievement.

Through these types of services and supports, young people develop resiliency and self-efficacy; gain teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills; and build personal and professional networks and support systems. Once equipped with these skills, attributes, and tools, as well as recognition of the importance of lifelong learning, young people are better prepared to navigate an increasingly challenging labor market, build a career, and achieve progressively higher earnings.”¹

LVP will gather and disseminate best practices, both locally successful approaches and strategies found to work around the country and arrange events like conferences, workshops, publications and web sites to share techniques that work.

  ^{1 Advancing Youth Development under the Workforce Investment Act. Brown, David E. National Governors’ Association Center for Best Practices, Workforce Investment Quarterly. Volume V, Issue 4}