Winners Circle: A Career Approach to Reaching Troubled Youth (From Transitional Services for Troubled Youth, P 51-53, 1990, Bruce Wolford, Cynthia J. Miller, et al, eds. -- see NCJ-122481)

• NCJ Number: 123997
• Author(s): P Spaniol; K Cleberg
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 3 pages
• Sale Source: Eastern Kentucky University
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

The Winners Circle Program assists 16- to 18-year-old economically disadvantaged, high school dropouts who are classified as troubled youth with their career decisions and employment skills by using a computer as a motivational tool.

Abstract

The program provides GED remediation, tutoring, basic computer skills, interest and aptitude testing, job search skills, job retention skills, career planning, goal setting, and counseling. In the first phase of the Winners Circle Program, the instructors determine the participants' educational and social needs through application of the Adult Basic Education test. In the basic education phase, computer-assisted instruction is the most effective method of helping participants reach their academic goals because of the availability of diverse educational software and the immediate positive reinforcement. Computers are utilized in the fourth phase, employability skills, through employment goals assessment, provision of shadow work experience, and interviewing skills. The motivation and counseling phase cover self-esteem, citizenship, success, teen pregnancy, parenting, breaking the AFDC cycle, and drugs and alcohol use. Employability and education competencies were met by 81 percent of the program participants; while 94 percent passed the GED on the first attempt. 7 references. (Author abstract modified)