Newsletter

Salt Lake County
Division of Youth Services
Youth EmployAbility Services
1385 South State Street #123
Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Phone: 801 468-0115
Fax: 801 468-1871

Tooele County
Division of Youth Services
Youth EmployAbility Services
305 North Main Street,
2nd Floor
Tooele, UT 84074
Phone: 435 833-7350
Fax: 435 833-7345

E-mail Us

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the YES program do?

The Youth EmployAbility Services program helps self-motivated, eligible youth get a high school diploma or GED, and improve their communication skills and leadership abilities to compete more successfully on the job market. We also help youth explore career and educational opportunities. For example, in addition to helping participants graduate from high school or receive their GED, we have helped youth train to become commercial drivers (getting their ‘CDL’ license), heavy equipment operators, and diesel mechanics. Participants have also pursued careers in the high growth, high demand industry of health care as medical assistants, laboratory technicians, and certified nurse technicians.

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Will the YES program give me a job?

No. The YES program is not an employment agency. We help you gain marketable job skills and training so that you can find and keep a job once you complete the program. We also help you develop effective job seeking skills in writing resumes, cover letters, and interviewing.

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How do I get the skills and abilities needed to succeed?

You will work with a YES case manager to develop an individual education and employment plan. This plan will help you set short term goals that relate to your personal needs, interests, and aspirations. These could include improving your English, reading, and math skills; learning study and time management skills; writing a résumé; or developing better leadership and interpersonal communication skills. Most importantly you will set goals regarding your career development, completing your high school education, or getting experience in a particular trade.

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Do you offer special support if I need it?

Yes! We can help you pay for some or all of your school tuition and purchase books and supplies. We can also connect you to other available community resources. This is done through our connections with the Utah State Department of Workforce Services (DWS), Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake/Tooele Applied Technology College, Health Careers Opportunity Program, USU Salt Lake Extension, and other community agencies. Please check out opportunities with YES Educational Resources and YES Employment and Career Resources for more community connections. Working and collaborating with community organizations is an important part of our ability to help you succeed.

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How long does the YES program last?

The amount of time it takes to achieve your goals depends on you. Many participants achieve their goals within approximately 24 months. Additionally, after completing the active part of the YES program, you will get follow-up support from our staff for one year.

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What do YES program participants think about it?

You can find out more about us and what participants think about their experiences with the Youth EmployAbility Services program by visiting “Meet Us!!”.

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How do I know if I’m eligible for the YES program?

The basic eligibility requirements are listed below. You must:

  • come from a low-income family
  • be between 16 - 21 years of age
  • live in Salt Lake County or Tooele County
  • be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien (have a “green card”)

You must be one of the following:

  • a recent high school graduate
  • have obtained a GED
  • not enrolled in school
  • enrolled in post secondary education and test below a 9th grade level in math, reading, or writing
  • a high school senior in custody of the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) or the Juvenile Justice System (JJS)

Also you have faced significant obstacles to success, such as being a parent, having language o r cultural barriers, or lacking sufficient life and work skills.

 

You must be willing to work hard and be self-motivated to succeed!

You can quickly see whether you meet these requirements by taking a brief, confidential eligibility quiz.

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What does it mean to be committed to succeed?

Your personal commitment to your success means that you understand that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for results--not your parents, not your friends, not your teachers, not the YES program staff. It means that there are no excuses for slacking off or for wasting time and limited resources. It means keeping appointments and showing up on time. It means working hard to accomplish tasks and achieve goals. It means being honest and dependable. It means telling your YES counselor if something is not right before things get out of control. It means respecting other people and treating them accordingly. It means respecting yourself and taking pride in your accomplishments.

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How do I apply for the YES program?

The application process is made up of three phases. Throughout the process you must demonstrate your willingness and motivation to work hard and your dedication to set and achieve your educational and employment goals.

  • First you must fill out an Information Sheet and return it to the YES program office. You may fill out the form on-line by following this link

If you are not able to fill out the form on-line you may ask that a printed copy of the application form be mailed to you by calling the YES program at 801 468-0115. You may also request an application form by e-mail. Our e-mail address is yes@slco.org. Please include your name and mailing address. Or, visit our office at 1385 South State Street #123, Salt Lake City, Utah.

  • Secondly, once we receive and approve your application form, a YES program staff member will mail you a letter with a date and appointment time for an orientation and a personal interview at the YES program office. During the interview the staff member will discuss the program with you in detail and verify your eligibility. Your basic reading and math skills will also be tested to find out what educational opportunities will serve you best.
  • Finally, if you meet all eligibility requirements, provide the needed documentation, and demonstrate your personal commitment to hard work and success consistently throughout the application process, you may be certified as a participant in the YES program.

    Following the certification, a staff member will be assigned to be your personal advisor and mentor while you are a member of the YES team.

If I have more questions what should I do?

We have provided a lot of information about the Youth EmployAbility Services program on this web site. We are certain that if you explore our site further, you’ll find answers to most of your questions.

 

If you can’t find what you want to know on our site, please call or visit our office during regular office hours, Monday – Friday from 8 am – 5 pm, except during holidays when the office will be closed. In consideration of our staff, we would like to ask you to make an appointment ahead of time and then keep it. Our friendly staff members will be happy to answer any additional questions or concerns you may have.

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