Information for Parents
and Legal Guardians

Purpose: The purpose of the Youth EmployAbility Services (YES) program is to help participants realize their full potential in personal life, at school, and in the workforce. All of our services are provided free of charge.

Eligibility Requirements

The Salt Lake County Division of Youth Services administers the YES program. It is funded by the Workforce Investment Act through the US Department of Labor and the Utah Department of Workforce Services. The program serves youth who must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Come from a low-income family.
• Be between 16 – 21 years of age.
• Be a high school graduate, have obtained a GED, or have officially dropped out of School.
  • As of May 2007, the YES program is accepting referrals from youth who have: completed their GED; have graduated from high school; or have officially dropped out of high school.
  • We will also receive referrals from youth in their senior year of high school if they are in custody of the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) or Juvenile Justice Services.
  These guidelines are dictated by our funding and contractual requirements.
• Face significant obstacles to success, such as being a parent; having below grade level math, reading, and language skills; having language or cultural barriers, or coping with other substantial challenges that limit the youth’s ability to achieve goals
• Be willing to set goals, commit to the program, work hard, and be self-motivated to achieve their goals
• Live in Salt Lake County or Tooele County.
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident alien .

Benefits of Participating in the YES Program

As a participant, a youth will work closely with a YES case manager, who will assist him or her in setting and achieving educational and career goals based on individual interests and needs. The education and employment plan may include:

• Grants and scholarships for post high school and vocational training at the Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake/Tooele Applied Technology College, and other educational institutions.
  
• Assistance with staying in school, such as developing study skills, or receiving tutoring in math, English, or reading.
• Incentives and bonuses to reward the youth’s hard work and accomplishments.
• Life skill training, such as time management, leadership development, conflict management.
• Interpersonal communication education.
• Mentoring from adults who care about the youth’s success.
• Assistance in finding financial aid for post high school training and education.
• Referrals to available community services and resources.
• Follow-up services to support the youth’s continued success.

Personal Accountability

Parents and guardians may participate and enhance the participant’s experience with the YES program by providing support, guidance, and encouragement. However, you are not responsible for the youth’s success in achieving his/her educational and employment goals. Quite the opposite. We require that each participant make a personal commitment to set goals, and to work diligently to achieve them. There are no excuses for wasting time or slacking off. Success depends entirely on the youth’s self-motivation, efforts, and willingness to follow through. Most youth who complete the program are able to achieve their goals within approximately 24 months.

YES Program Activities

Depending on the participant’s needs, he/she will meet with a designated case manager on a regular basis to review progress toward achieving goals. Youth may also take advantage of special training opportunities, such as the Health Careers Opportunity Program, Leadership Program, Youth Council, and receive additional support through Educational Resources and Employment and Career Resources. Please follow the links to find out more details about these exciting offerings. The purpose of all these activities is to build and strengthen participant’s skills and ability to do well at school and compete more successfully on the job market.

More Information

If you have questions or concerns that are not addressed on the website, feel free to contact the YES program staff at 801 468-0115 or via e-mail yes@slco.org. We look forward to serving you and your family.