Teens in Transition from Learning to Earning

By M. Marcia Butts-Schwartz Ph.D.

The writer has determined through her needs assessment that one of the greatest needs in Philadelphia today is a job readiness program for teenagers. By most measures, teenagers have a difficult time in the labor force. Specifically, their unemployment rate is the highest of all the age groups. The types of jobs they hold have limited prospects, and their wages are low. The group most in need of help is minority female teens, and one of the area most in need is West Philadelphia. Therefore, the writer, with the help of an advisory committee and with the cooperation of the school principal, Dr. Davis Martin, completed plans for such a program. The job readiness program was presented at the University City High School to a group of minority teens. The various phases of the program were presented by the writer and other professionals. These young people from the West Philadelphia Community received great benefit from this project. It is the writers hope that the results of this social action will be of help to other areas of the city. The writer hopes also that this program may eventually become city wide.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 8, 2009
• ISBN: 9781469101873

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Copyright © 2009 by M. Marcia Butts-Schwartz.

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Contents

Abstract

Acknowledgements

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

CHAPTER III

NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND PROGRAM PLANNING

CHAPTER IV

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION

CHAPTER V

PROGRAM EVALUATION

CHAPTER VI

DISCUSSION AND INTEGRATION

CHAPTER VII

CONCLUSION

APPENDIX A

APPENDIX B

Appendix C

Appendix D

Appendix E

TEENS IN TRANSITION JOB READINESS TRAINING SEMINAR

Appendix F

Appendix G

Appendix H

Appendix I

Appendix J

Appendix K

RULES FOR GETTING ALONG ON THE JOB

Appendix L

Work Effectiveness Skills

Appendix M

Appendix N

Group Roles for 11 27/85

Appendix O

TEENS IN TRANSITION CLASS

Appendix P

Appendix Q

Appendix R

Appendix S

THE BASELINE QUESTIONNAIRE

Appendix T

POST QUESTIONNAIRE

Appendix U

Teens in Transition

Appendix V

Bibliography

Teens in Transition from Learning to Earning

A Job Readiness Training Program

A Final Project Presented

by

M. Marcia Butts Schwartz

Approved as to style and content by the:

missing image file

April 1986

Abstract

The writer has determined through her needs assessment that one of the greatest needs in Philadelphia today is a job readiness program for teenagers. By most measures, teenagers have a difficult time in the labor force. Specifically, their unemployment rate is the highest of all the age groups. The types of jobs they hold have limited prospects, and their wages are low. The group most in need of help is minority female teens, and one of the areas most in need is West Philadelphia. Therefore, the writer, with the help of an advisory committee and with the cooperation of the school principal, Dr. Davis Martin, completed plans for such a program. The job readiness program was presented at the University City High School to a group of minority teens. The various phases of the program were presented by the writer and other professionals. These young people from the West Philadelphia Community received great benefit from this project. It is the writer’s hope that the results of this social action will be of help to other areas of the city. The writer hopes also that this program may eventually become city wide.

M. Marcia Butts Schwartz

AMENDMENT TO:

TEENS IN TRANSITION FROM LEARNING TO EARNING

A JOB READINESS TRAINING PROGRAM

February 16, 2009

AMENDMENT

Since the inception of the writer’s job readiness training program, Teens in Transition: From Learning to Earning, the writer has also used the contents of this program in assisting other target populations. The program was modified for use in assisting the homeless population through a program titled Partners in Self Sufficiency. In addition, the writer also used this job readiness training program, for a subsidized employment program for seniors 55 years of age and older. Each time that this job readiness—training program has been used it has enhanced the participants ability to seek, gain, obtain, and maintain employment.

However, in order to further enhance the program participants’ employability and skill sets, the writer has added computer training sessions to the job readiness training program. It is the writer’s belief that computer literacy will give the participant (s) the edge that is to compete successfully in today’s world of work.

Each one of the participants will be able to complete an electronic assessment of their individual employment likes and dislikes. They will also be able to determine, through their responses to the questions asked during the electronic assessment, exactly what occupations would provide them opportunities for greatest success. Moreover, they will become more aware of what type of educational background the job of their choice will require.

The participants’ knowledge of how to research the career of their choice on line will also enhance their knowledge of how to apply for employment on line.

However, before each participant receives a certificate of program completion, he or she will be required to defend and support his or her employment choice to a panel. The participant will assume the roll of her selected professional and deliver an oral presentation using the power point system. The presentation will be designed to cover all aspect of their research as well as their selected occupation. In addition, a tri-fold display of pictures pertaining to the occupation shall also be used.

Although the revised job readiness sessions shall be conducted for each group of participants two days per week, one of the days shall be set-aside for computer training sessions only.

The first session is designed to acclimate the participant to using the computer. The student will learn how to turn the computer on, how to shut the computer down, the function (s) of each one of the keys on the keyboard, and the function (s) of the icons on the monitor as well as the function of the monitor. The session will also cover how to use the printer and the importance of keeping good notes. A review of what was covered during the prior session will be conducted each week. To ensure that the instruction and the knowledge regarding how to use the equipment and the software involved has been effectively and sufficiently retained by each student.

Acknowledgements

There are several circles of friends and associates whose help I want to acknowledge. The first are individuals who agreed to serve as an advisory committee, giving time and assistance. Each member of the advisory committee either taught a session during the pilot training seminar or served in some productive capacity in expediting the progress of the project. They are Mrs. Audrey Brodie, Mrs. Sara Birch, Miss Marjorie Cobb, Mrs. Helen M. Dutcher, Dr. Lestina Grant, Mrs. Gwendolyn Gray, Mrs. Ruth V. Griffin, Mrs. Vera Gunn-Harding, Dr, Davis B. Martin, Mrs. Helen G. Powers, Judge Harvey N. Schmidt, and Mrs. Bernice Tolbert.

I am particularly indebted to four members of this group who saw me through the day to day basics of the production under the pressure of a tight schedule. Three of these are Mrs. Audrey Brodie, Dr. Lestina Grant, and Gwendolyn Gray who read every word I wrote and most of the words I rewrote. Without their gentle prodding, concern, and criticism, I would not have successfully completed my project. The fourth person who rendered invaluable service was Dr. Davis B. Martin, Principal of University City High School. Without his gracious cooperation through which he allowed me to use his school and its facilities, this project could not have been conducted.

Persons who were not a part of this advisory committee but gave me their support and the benefit of their encouragement are: Elizabeth Aurilia; Mr. George Huddleston, Jr; Miss Vivian Jefferson; Mrs. Lori Rahm; and Mrs. Fannie Kendal.

My family was of great assistance also; in addition to giving me personal counsel and support, they gave me expert advice. These family members are: my daughter, Mrs. Desiree D. Taylor; my nephew, Mr. Bernard Gullett; and my sister, Mrs. Louise Wood.

I would also like to acknowledge the institutions that supported my project and provided instructors. The institutions and the respective instructors are: Barbizon School of Modeling, Director: Mrs. Marilyn Burn/Instructor: Miss Sharon Smith; Bell of Pennsylvania, Associate Staff Manager: Mrs. Miriam H. Evans; The Philadelphia Chapter of the National Association of Fashion and Accessory Designers, Youth Coordinator: Mrs. Tina King; Wilfred Academy, Director of Student Teachers: Mrs. Gloria Womble/Student Teacher: Miss Crystal Stevens; Provident National Bank, Vice President of Personnel: Mr. George Huddleston, Jr./Personnel Officer: Miss Dorothy Furry; Philadelphia School District, Staff Training Officer: Mrs. Helen Dutcher.

I am especially indebted to my primary preceptor, Dr. Lestina M. Grant, and to three of my professors at Lincoln University, Dr. Ishtai-Zee, Dr. Steve Krupp and Dr. Earle McNeil. They gave me excellent advice and always had time for clarification of subject matter.

In addition to the above I would also like to acknowledge: My husband Bernard Schwartz, my daughter Desiree Denise Taylor, Medical Manager, my son-in-law Michael Taylor, Purchasing Manager, my grandsons Michael Taylor, microbiologist, Gregory Taylor, Trauma Specialist, and my granddaughter Morgan Ariel Taylor, my niece Angela Ladson, Principal Evans Elementary School, my cousin Commissioner, Ethel Burnett, Commissioner Marie McCray, The Reverend Dr. James S. Allen, Pastor of the Vine Memorial Baptist Church, Audrey Johnson-Thornton, C.E.O. The American Women’s Heritage Society/Belmont Mansion, Geneva Black, C.E.O. Haddington Multi Services Center, Henrietta (Penny) Allen, Banking Officer, Provident National/PNC Bank, Gladys Harper-Robinson, CEO Gladys Hair Fashion Salon, Lorna Marshall Blake Vice President Government Affairs Blue Shield Tamika Ruley Principal, Overbrook Education Center, Darlene Tolbert, Former Principal of Lamberton High School, Lynn Johnson, Assistant Principal Lamberton High School, Wanda Allen, Assistant Principal Bodine, High School, Arthurea Smith, Principal Bluford Elementary School, Edna M. Williams, C.E.O. Mary Jane Enrichment Centre Inc. Andrea LeVere, Climate Manager, Arthur Middle School, Margaret Mullen-Bavwidinsi, Principal George Washington Elementary School, Sabrina Scott Feggins, Dean of Student Overbrook Education Center, Dr. Naomi Johnson-Brooker, CEO Global Leadership Academy, Renea Musgrove, Principal Chester Arthur Middle School, Dr. Judy Seibert-Burns, Former Principal Pickett Middle School, Dr. Howard O. Jameson, President Jamison Christian College, Vicki L. Redmond, Assistant Admissions Director, Cheyney State University and Karima Bouchenafa, Professor Villanova University and Community College who took time out of her busy schedule to edit the amendment.

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background To The Problem

The writer’s employment experience with the Provident National Bank and her consultation with various community leaders have led her to believe that unemployment is one of the most serious problems facing our country today. Unemployment is most prevalent among teenagers, especially minority ones. Therefore, the purpose of the writer’s project was to prepare and present a job readiness program to help these young people.

Description of Agency and Community Context

The community setting in which the program was presented was West Philadelphia. This is an area which was once very beautiful and well cared for, the home for the so called white upper middle class. Over the years, most whites have deserted this area, leaving it to the black upper middle class and, eventually, black middle class. The area is suffering from unemployment, neglect, lowered property values, blight, and the general feeling of hopelessness which invades most large urban areas today. The public school system has suffered; the tax base has eroded; factories and companies have closed, moved elsewhere, or failed. It is from such a background that the black youth of West Philadelphia are seeking jobs.

Some of the community agencies have attempted to address the problems of the community. One agency which has always concerned itself with the improvement of the community is Provident National Bank. This Bank is the writer’s place of employment, and it supported her project.

The tradition of the Provident National Bank is to provide service rather than just services. The Bank depends on each employee to help to fulfill this tradition. Although automation is increasingly important in today’s society, people still remain the key ingredient of Provident National Bank’s success. The Vice President of Personnel at the Bank, George T. Huddleston Jr., is also the affirmative action officer. In this capacity, he is responsible for the preparation of the Bank’s affirmative action program and for the monitoring and implementing of effective personnel practices in furtherance of the Bank’s equal opportunity and affirmative action commitments. The Provident is committed to providing development opportunities for its employees’ personal and professional success.

The Provident National Bank has always made a practice of studying the needs of the community. It makes loans to small businesses so that the community may provide employment for its own. The Bank also makes loans to residents for the purpose of buying or renovating their homes so the community may be a stable one. The Bank also makes loans to residents for the purpose of buying or renovating their homes so the community may be a stable one. The Bank also makes loans for educational purposes. In addition to this, the Bank uses its financial resources and the expertise of its personnel in order to foster the cultural, recreational, educational, and economic well being of the community.

Moreover, several of the black churches in West Philadelphia have expressed an interest in assisting the teenagers in preparing themselves for the working world. This project has been presented to the pastor of the Vine Memorial Baptist Church and to the pastor of Fifty Ninth Street Baptist Church where it was favorably received. Contacts have been made but not completed with other churches in the area.

A third agency which was willing to assist in this project is the Sayer/Morris Community Center, whose director is Mrs. Sara Birch. She served on the writer’s advisory committee and assisted in the distribution of questionnaires to the teenagers.

Dr. Davis Martin is the principal of University City