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MYEEP Newsletter: January 2009
Dear Friends, Community Members, and Supporters:
Happy New Year! Now that the holidays are over, we would like to take this time to share some of our recent activities and successes with you.
In the upcoming months, MYEEP will be launching a new project, aimed at providing youth with interview attire. We've found that many of our youth do not have clothing appropriate to wear while interviewing or working in a professional environment. As of February 2009, we will begin accepting lightly used, professional clothing in all sizes. Donations can be dropped off at the MYEEP Central Office, 1596 Post Street. For more information, please call (415) 202-7903. For directions and a map, please click here.
During this time of economic uncertainty, we would like to thank the following organizations for their continued support of our program and the youth that we serve:
If you would like to find out about the numerous ways in which you can support MYEEP, please visit our website by clicking here.
To donate to MYEEP, please click the button below:
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Article: MYEEP Found to be Highly Effective by Youth Evaluators in San Francisco
MYEEP has been engaged in a comprehensive year-long evaluation led by the Youth Leadership Institute, and sponsored by the Department of Children Youth and Their Families, to determine the effectiveness of the program. The evaluation included two phases.
The focus of the first phase was to assess the program from the perspective of program participants. It included pre and post surveys and video documentaries of MYEEP youth. The evaluation looked at both the learning opportunities provided by MYEEP and the quality of those experiences. While the data gathered through the evaluation was positive, it also proved to be helpful in identifying various ways to improve the overall experience for participants.
Phase two of the evaluation assessed MYEEP from the perspective of community partners who host program participants and provide to them mentorship and work experience. In this phase, program partners were asked to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the program. It looked as both skill gains and the program’s impact on the future of each participant.
The evaluation demonstrated that MYEEP is an important and supportive gateway for San Francisco young people as they enter the workforce.
- Over 75% of youth surveyed stated that MYEEP was their first job.
- On average, 92% of program partners rated each MYEEP core element (Pre-employment training, workshops, work experience, other youth develop activities) as being effective.
- 97% of program partners responded that MYEEP work experience prepared them for future employment.
In total, 342 youth and 152 program partners completed extensive surveys and/or were interviewed.
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Life After MYEEP
My Trang TranMy joined MYEEP at the age of 16 and participated in 2 program cycles at VYDC. She worked at Yerba Buena Gardens Childcare Care Center supervising toddlers and facilitating activities for kids during recess. She is currently studying Business with an emphasis in Project Management at DeVry and works at Conduit as a Language Specialist.
The following is an excerpt from an interview with My:
How did MYEEP help prepare you for college and your current career? What skills did MYEEP help you to develop?
MYEEP provided financial aid workshops. At University Day, we visited UC Berkeley and learned about student life. MYEEP also helped me practice my presentation skills, which has been helpful in my college classes. I also learned team building skills, self-assessment techniques, stress management, time management, and basic resume building, which has been helpful in applying for jobs.
Would you recommend MYEEP to high school students? If so, why?
Yes, because it’s a good program, especially in this economy. It’s really hard for students to get a job these days and also get employment training at the same time. MYEEP concentrates on working, but also focuses on high school education and helping you get to college.
Do you have any advice for current MYEEP participants?
Not everyone can become a part of MYEEP so take this opportunity to help build your skills and experiences.
learn more |
Jaleace Smith Jaleace began MYEEP when she was 14 years old and continued to actively participate until graduation. She attended BHNC and worked at the Boys and Girls Club as a mentor and tutor to younger youth. She also worked at the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services as an Admin Assistant. She now works at Club One Fitness and majors in Sociology at Laney College. "I decided on this major because I was part of the foster care system and I want to help other kids who are at-risk and need all the help and guidance they can get."
The following is an excerpt from an interview with Jaleace:
How did MYEEP help prepare you for college or your current career?
MYEEP helped me prepare for college by providing me with internship opportunities, which allowed me to gain credits in school. They also provided workshops and school representatives that talked about how to get into college. The career day also helped me decide on my major.
What skills did MYEEP help you to develop?
All kinds. I learned administrative work – filing, answering phones -- how to write certificates, proclamations, take notes. While working at the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, I was given the opportunity to help the community.
Would you recommend MYEEP to high school students? If so, why?
Yes! MYEEP makes you be more productive with your time, gives you something to do after school, helps you make money, and it encourages people to learn their responsibilities. If you have extra time, you can make your own money and you don’t have to rely on your parents. You can learn how to be wise with your money because you learn the value of a dollar.
learn more |
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Event: MYEEP in SF 2009
On January 20, 2009, thirty San Francisco businesses opened their doors to over 150 MYEEP participants. Youth were given the opportunity to talk to professionals about their career paths, gain insight about various careers, and tour facilities normally closed to the public.
Thanks to all of this year's participating businesses and chaperones, without whom this event would not be possible.
The image to the right was chosen as this year's MYEEP in SF photo contest winner. Taja Boccara, from VYDC, was the photographer. Great job, Taja!!! |
MYEEP in the Community
Digital Connectors
Digital Connectors, a program of the One Economy Corporation, was launched in 2001 in Washington, DC. Today, the program is active in more than 20 rural and urban areas across the country. The San Francisco Digital Connectors Program began in 2003 and has since worked with over 130 youth to provide over 5,000 hours of computer training to 1,500 families, installed 10 computer labs, and distributed over 500 computers to three under served communities.
MYEEP began partnering with Digital Connectors in 2005. MYEEP youth currently work at all three San Francisco Digital Connectors locations: Visitacion Valley, Mission, and Chinatown.
MYEEP youth, as a part of the Digital Connectors program:
- Participate in corporate mentoring at local technology companies.
- Complete community service projects that promote digital literacy.
- Map their communities and create technology resource guides for residents.
- Provide technology training and support to residents and community groups.
- Earn high school credits for their work in the community.
Digital Connectors has played an integral role in bridging the digital divide in communities of need. Thank you for your continued support of MYEEP and we look forward to working with you for years to come!
Visit One Economy's website to learn more. |
Thank you for your continued support!
~ The MYEEP Collaborative |
