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Family, Youth & Community Development

WORKplus Program

Out of school? Need a little help to find and be able to keep a job, and maybe even build a career? WORKplus has helped almost 200 young people develop skills, knowledge, attitudes and connections…for success in job seeking and job keeping. Cornell University Cooperative Extension-Broome County (CUCE-BC) offers the program, with federal Workforce Investment Act funding through the Broome-Tioga Workforce Development Board and the Broome County Office of Employment and Training. WORKplus is available in both Broome and Tioga counties.

Two dynamic program options are available. In the 8-week program participants are employed by CUCE-BC as WORKplus Associates - paid to learn, plan for the future and secure other employment by the end of the 8 weeks, with support and assistance from staff. Associates work four hours per day, 4 days per week, to increase skills and knowledge related to job seeking and job keeping, and may earn a nationally recognized certification at no cost to them. Staff maintain contact and provide holistic support to WORKplus alumni, to retain employment, manage the challenges to success in the workplace, connect to services, GED programs, additional training and education, and even move to a different job.

WORKplus Lite is a briefer (3-week) unpaid training that offers participants cash incentives for completion and success in gaining and retaining employment. Following the training segment of the program, staff assist "Lite" graduates to secure and maintain employment, just as they do with the full WORKplus program.

There are eligibility requirements for both WORKplus and WORKplus Lite. Contact the WORKplus office at Cornell University Cooperative Extension, Broome County, at 772-8955, ext. 139 for more information.

Eligibility:

Eligible young people are out-of-school, between 19 and 21 years old, low income, and/or have other barriers to entry and success in the workforce. Examples of such barriers include school drop out, pregnant or parenting, probation, homeless or runaway, IEP, etc. Applicants must live in Broome or Tioga County and be serious about making the changes and doing the work necessary to become prepared for, enter and retain employment, utilizing the supports and opportunities that WORKplus offers.

Referrals & Applications:

Referrals to WORKplus come from area agencies, organizations and schools, parents, program alumni and the young applicant himself or herself. A referral form is available to local professionals referring a young person. Referral forms are available from the WORKplus office at 772-8955, extension 139, or through mailings to local service providers.

All program applicants are required to participate in an information session before completing the application and other paperwork. Documentation of eligibility includes a birth certificate, social security card, proof of income and residence, etc. Those applying for the 8-week WORKplus program (4 days per week, 4 hours per day) will also complete the Cornell University Cooperative Extension employment application. Accepted participants are paid minimum wage for 7 weeks of the 8-week training program. At the end of the group education portion of the program, most CUCE Associates will be employed elsewhere, or will be assisted intensely until employment is secured. Follow-up support continues for a full year.

WORKplus Lite applicants are generally more job ready coming into the program. The shorter group education experience (four hours per day, four days per week) covers most of the same topics as the longer program, but in less depth. Cash stipends are provided when participants complete the training, become employed, and retain employment for a specific period of time.

All WORKplus participants are encouraged to stay connected, returning for graduation celebrations, other CUCE-BC events and programs, to share success stories, and ask for assistance with needs or issues that threaten their success in the workforce.

Employers:

WORKplus staff communicate regularly with Broome and Tioga County employers, to identify employment opportunities for program participants, inform employers about On the Job Training (OJT) funds available, monitor new employees' performance, and intervene when necessary to support a successful work experience for the business and the new employee. Some employers volunteer to speak to the young people during the training phase of the program, helping them understand what it takes to enter and succeed in a particular sector, how to "ace" the interview, or how to build a career from an entry level position.

Employers of WORKplus grads are invited to an annual appreciation event, to thank them for their contribution to our program, and for investing in the future workforce. Businesses are invited to contact the WORKplus office at (607) 772-8955, ext. 139, to discuss your hiring needs and how you can become involved.