EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION SUPPORT
For youth who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, access to education and employment are key to providing pathways towards independence and thriving.
Employment & Education services at NWYS provides in-person or remote support and community resource referrals so that youth may explore, identify, and achieve their goals in these areas.
Support This Work
Are you interested in donating items directly to youth facing homelessness in Whatcom County? Consider making a purchase on our Amazon Wishlist - we update it frequently with the most needed items.
1:1 Support
In both Whatcom and Skagit counties, youth are able to connect 1:1 in person or remotely with an education and employment coordinator to build a plan that focuses on their individual goals.
For employment goals this can include:
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Resume building and cover letter writing
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Individual job search and strategies
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Interview preparation and resources
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Paid training opportunities (see Youth Jobs, below)
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Conviction history support (Whatcom Community College Conviction History Support, Appleseed Reentry Guide, Primeweld Guide to Trade Careers for the Formerly Incarcerated)
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Community resource referrals in Whatcom (Worksource, Goodwill) or Skagit (Goodwill)
For education goals this can include
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Education consultation and planning
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Connections to Whatcom or Skagit County school districts
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Referrals to GED/HS Diploma or secondary programs in Whatcom (Bellingham Technical College, Whatcom Community College,) or Skagit (Skagit Valley College, Job Corps)
Youth Jobs (Whatcom)
Through our County-funded Youth Jobs service, youth are matched with an employer in the community where they apply and interview for short-term (1-3 months) paid job training opportunities. Youth wages are subsidized by Northwest Youth Services (100% @ current WA minimum wage). During the training period, the NWYS employment coordinator remains in communication with the site supervisor as needed and continues to work with youth to use their current skills, experience, and references to secure long-term employment in the community.
NWYS is proud to work with our excellent local Youth Jobs partners:
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Northwest Workforce Council/Worksource (WIOA-funded training)
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with more being added as funding and opportunities develop.
If you are a local business or non-profit in Bellingham that is interested hiring a youth directly or learning more about participating in Youth Jobs please complete the form below or contact Barry MacHale, at (360) 746-4073 or barrym@nwys.org.
