#15-024

Contact: Tim Probst, Employment Security Department, 360-902-9535
               Robert Brader, Washington Service Corps, 360-407-1342

OLYMPIA -Thousands of disadvantaged youths are finishing high school, earning their GEDs and honing their job-search skills due to a united effort by state and community partners. 

The state departments of Employment Security and Social & Health Services have dispatched Washington Service Corps AmeriCorps members around the state to tutor and mentor disadvantaged youths. Most of the members are placed by local Workforce Development Councils, which coordinate employment and training in communities statewide.

The youth program, now in its second year, expanded from 12 to 18 Service Corps members after better-than-expected results from last year, when Service Corps members: 

• Helped 2,331 economically disadvantaged youth ages 16-24 gain job skills, more than double the number anticipated;
• Mentored 170 students at risk of dropping out, helping them graduate on time and earn a diploma;
• Tutored 201 youth to acquire a GED and helped 356 youth get a job; and
• Helped 98 youth enter post-secondary schools and 46 earn a post-secondary degree or certificate.

"These AmeriCorps members are changing thousands of lives across the state," said Tim Probst, director of Workforce Initiatives at the Employment Security Department, who coordinated the agency partnerships. "This unified effort makes good financial sense, it strengthens the communities it serves and it shows compassion for thousands of young people who need a little help to move up in their lives." 

AmeriCorps members are enthused about the program's success to date and about their current work with youths.

"Almost all the students I serve have criminal histories, substance abuse and housing issues," said Duane Shears of SkillSteps at Walla Walla Community College. "The program has made a huge difference for many."

At the Next Generation Zone, affiliate of WorkSource Spokane, Donya Quarnstrom looked a young man in the eyes and told him, "Your life is not over at age 21." The youth, who had a criminal history, began to sob. "He's now pushing ahead with hope and perseverance," Quarnstrom said.

This year is Gina McConnell's second year in the program, serving at Goodwill Work Opportunities Center in Longview.

"I don't like to let one student slip through the cracks," she said.

Youth project service sites and contacts

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