General Questions about the Young Adult Program at Y.O.U.

Who can participate in the Y.O.U. Young Adult Program?

  • Residents of Cuyahoga County.

  • Are between the ages of 18–24 and not attending high school, college and or other training programs. Have received or have not received your HS Diploma or GED

  • Are unemployed or underemployed (working less than 30 hours per week)

  • Prospective participants will be required to meet program eligibility guidelines based on our various funding sources.

What Credential programs are available for participants:

For participants that have graduated HS or earned their GED, the Y.O.U. Credential Training Program provides you with the skills, training, and support you need to launch a new career, all at no cost to you.

You’ll learn from instructors with real-life experience in the field, receive coaching on interviewing for your next job, and perfect your resume to make your application stand out. Participants may earn cash training incentives.

Credential programs are as follows:

  • Construction - focuses on Safety, Forklift Operations, General Contracting and site maintenance to prepare for a career in the trades. Completion of modules require both knowledge and in person skills demonstrations. Some components are self-paced, up to 10 weeks.

  • Customer Care - focuses on Call Centers and Virtual Customer Service. Four weeks, 9 am-1:30 pm, Monday-Friday

  • Information Technology - focuses on basic digital literacy, skills in navigating digital world, Operating System Administration and fundamentals of Network Administration. Self-paced up to 10 weeks.

  • State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) - focuses on mental health and social service needs, Basic nursing skills, CPR certification, state exam preparation, career and job readiness. Up to 10 weeks, 10:30-3:30 pm, Monday-Friday

 When does the program begin and how long will it last?

  • Program application and sessions are open all year for the Y.O.U. Young Adult Opportunities Program. Job Readiness Training programs begin weekly.

How much does it pay?

  • These are entry level positions that do pay above the minimum wage.

Will there be a background check?

  • Some work assignments may require a background check. Participants will learn whether they need a background check at the Job Orientation. The employer pays for the background check.

Will there be a drug test?

  • It is possible that some of our worksites require that you take a drug test. The employer pays for the background check.

How can I get more information?

Documents:

Once your application is selected, then you will have to attend a virtual or live (your choice) eligibility determination appointment.  The following documents will be needed at this appointment:  

YOUR Documents – You must have all of the following documents: 

  • Your Current Photo ID (unexpired Driver’s License, State ID, Passport, or Military ID)

  • Your Social Security Card

  • Your Birth Certificate

  • Your Proof of Residency: utility bill, government agency letter, or lease agreement in your name. ID with current address.

  • Your Proof of Income

    • If you work: Your 2 most recent pay stubs, or W2/1099 from 2019

    • If you don’t work: Worker’s compensation letter, unemployment benefits award letter. If you don’t have income from any of these sources, you can sign a statement of no income during your appointment.)

    • If you don’t have any income: Come with whatever evidence you have that shows how you support yourself and your family (cash assistance, SNAP, Social Security benefits, etc.

    • If you are male: Proof of registration with the Selective Service Board. If you haven’t registered with Selective Service you can do so at Validation.

Do you have a child or someone under 18 that lives with you?  If so, bring the following:

Minor Documentation –  

  • Birth Certificate (for each minor)

  • Social Security Number (just the number, not the card for each minor)

  • Proof of Relationship for each minor

    • (examples: birth certificate with your name and your minor child’s name on it, birth certificates that show you and the minor child share a parent, or current custody papers showing you and the minor child are members of the same household)

Do you have other adults in the house? If so, the following will be needed.

Additional Adult(s) in the household -

  • Social Security Number (just number, not card)

  • Date of Birth

  • Proof of Income

    • That person’s 2 most recent pay stubs, or W2/1099 from 2019

    • Worker’s compensation letter, unemployment benefits award letter. If other adult(s) in your household doesn’t have income from any of these sources, you can bring a signed statement of no income to your appointment.

    • If you don’t have any income: Come with whatever evidence you have that shows how you support yourself and your family (cash assistance, SNAP, Social Security benefits, etc.)