Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board Youth Council
 Minutes
July 13, 2001

Those in attendance:  Robert Brannock (Voc Rehab & WIB),  Aaron Hutt (Caroline LMB), Mike Clark (Caroline LMB),  Alvin Bromwell (youth representative), Diane Mollock (parent representative), and Brenda Marzucco (WIB staff)

Donna Harrison and Cheryl Adams of Chesapeake Career Network and Vicki Buesgens of  SHIFTS Inc. were present as guests.

1. New Members:  It was announced that the Upper Shore Youth Council currently meets all requirements as set by the Workforce Investment Act.  Youth and parent representation has been included.  It was suggested that Congressman  Gilchrest’s office be contacted and invited to participate.

2. Chesapeake Career Network:  Donna Harrison and Cheryl Adams updated the Council on the out of school youth training.  Determining eligibility has been a problem.  Robert Brannock of Voc Rehab offered his agency’s  services in assisting with evaluations which may help with eligibility requirements.  It was also suggested that successful efforts partnering with Talbot DJS be duplicated in the other four counties.  At present, there are no youth who have yet to meet the income requirements, but two pending applicants are likely to be enrolled.

Council recommendation:  It is the recommendation of the Youth Council that the Workforce Investment Board continue to obligate the additional out of school funds and that Chesapeake Career Network continue their efforts.  It was suggested that the program update the Council on their efforts within three months. 

      C. SHIFTS Inc:   Vicki Buesgens  of SHIFTS Inc.  presented to the Council a timeline for the          completion of the out of school youth regional non-traditional training program feasibility study. The study should be completed by December 2001.

    D. Summer Experiential Learning:  Brenda Marzucco reported that the following organizations responded to a request for proposal and have received grants for experiential learning hosting Youth Leadership participants:  Kent County Parks and Recreation,  Federalsburg Elementary School, Harriett Tubman Organization, Choptank Elementary School and Maces Lane Middle School.  The Queen Anne’s County Migrant Program and the Cambridge Career Center are hosting interns.  Five scholarships were granted for Chesapeake College’s “ Traditional Wood Boat Building ” program.  

E.     Youth Leadership Program:  Brenda Marzucco reported that approximately 70 applications have been received, and approximately 40 have been accepted for the incoming cohort.  Eligibility has created a problem.  

F.     Additional Funding Sources:  The overview of the incoming cohort of the Youth Leadership Program lead to the discussion of the income eligibility.  There is concern that more youth could benefit if funds other than WIA were available.  

Council recommendation:  It is the recommendation of the Youth Council that the Workforce Investment Board pursue  additional funding other than WIA in order to serve a large number of area youth who are in need of workplace and job training.

G.     Governor’s Workforce Investment Board:  Brenda Marzucco announced that the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board’s Youth Council will be meeting on September 20^th and we have been invited to send representation.  Mike Clark agreed to attend.

H.     National Dropout Prevention Conference:  Brenda Marzucco made everyone aware that the National Dropout Prevention Conference will be held in Orlando, Florida, in October.