RICHMOND —
A free program with cash incentives is being offered in Madison County by the Kentucky River Foothills Development Council to encourage high school drop-outs (ages 16-18) to obtain a GED and begin a path to a working career.
The TREK Academy (Teamwork, Readiness, Experience and Knowledge) helps participants who want to work on their GED at the Adult Education Office at Eastern Kentucky University or in Berea, said Tony Crachiolo, the program coordinator.
The program offers help with clothing, supplies and the cost of the GED exam fee. TREK Academy students can also earn up to $1,050 in cash for achieving personal goals as they progress toward graduation, Crachiolo said, with opportunities to win laptop computers, scholarships and other prizes.
“In these tough economic times young people face high unemployment rates and have few resources and experiences to call upon to improve this situation,” he said. “Yet many of them have the financial needs and obligations that every adult faces. By providing them the tools they need to find and keep gainful employment we hope to do our part to help make Kentucky a better place to live.”
This is the first year TREK has been offered in Madison County by Foothills, which also serves Clark, Estill and Powell counties.
Foothills has had in-school youth programs for over a decade, primarily n Estill and Powell counties, Crachiolo said, but in 2009, they saw a need for a similar program for students who have already dropped out of high school.
The TREK Academy pilot program was created in 2010, and because of its success, TREK was approved to increase enrollment by 30 percent this year.
“Expanding into Madison County was a natural choice for us since it is part of our service area,” Crachiolo said.
Last year in Estill County, more than 85 percent of TREK graduates found employment in their community, he said. “That’s the real thrust of the Academy — connecting young adults to their community by providing the skills, training and experience they need to get a first job and begin their working careers.”
TREK Academy coordinators are working to develop partnerships with local business leaders to make room for graduates in businesses within their communities, Crachiolo said. Local employers also provide job shadowing opportunities, mentors, guest speakers and paid work experience.
Examples of TREK workshops include: Filling out job applications, preparing resumes, developing interview skills, becoming a confident communicator and knowing how to dress for success.
Students also help design and participate in community service projects and leadership activities.
“The whole idea is to gain the skills you need to stand out from the crowd and get the job,” Crachiolo said. “Young people will gain exposure to opportunities that will optimize their potential for success in the workforce.”
The TREK staff also assists interested students in selecting a Kentucky university/college or training program to suits their needs. They go one step further by arranging campus/training center visits and connecting them with financial aid and admissions personnel at the program/school of their choice.
“We want to engage youth who are disengaged, taking them at whatever point they left off with their education,” Crachiolo said. “This unique program works with the whole family unit. We strive to help students address whatever barriers they face. We also assist youth with referrals to other supportive services including those provided by Foothills.”
The TREK Academy is funded through a grant provided by the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s Workforce Investment Act administered by the Bluegrass Workforce Investment Board.
For details about the TREK Academy contact Tony Crachiolo at 859-200-6050 or 606-723-6629 Monday-Friday, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Crystal Wylie can be reached at cwylie@richmondregister.com or 623-1669, Ext. 6696.
Local News
On the right TREK
Foothills program helps youth with GED, finding work
- Local News
-
-
Splashing around in Paradise
Wet and relatively cool weather has hurt attendance at Richmond’s Paradise Cove Family Aquatic Center since in opened for the season May 25, according to city officials. However, sunshine and a high of nearly 85 degrees Wednesday drew a large midweek crowd to the pool in Lake Reba Park.
A high of 86 was predicted for today by AccuWeather.com with 89 forecast for Friday and Sunday and 91 on Saturday. -
Exile celebrates book release
This has been a big year for Exile, a band formed in 1963 by a group of Madison County teenagers.
-
Madison County Schools - Committee begins reviewing applicants for new superintendent
The seven members of the county schools’ superintendent screening committee began reviewing applications Tuesday night in a special called meeting of the school board.
-
Berea approves annual budget, adopts Affirmative Action ordinances
The Berea City Council adopted the annual budget of about $17.7 million for the 2013 to 2014 fiscal year Tuesday. The budget was adopted 6-1 (Jerry Little was absent) with Ronnie Terrill casting the lone dissenting vote.
-
Recycling center sponsors shredding service Friday
Destroying paperwork containing personal information is an important way to prevent identity theft, and the Richmond/Madison County Recycling Center wants to help residents keep their finances safe.
-
Man charged with running over woman’s arm during custody dispute
A man who pleaded guilty last year to running over a person during a dispute about a stolen car is back in jail after driving a truck over a woman’s arm, according to court records.
-
RPD: Son kept mother in filthy, insect-infested home
Police have charged a Richmond man with adult neglect after finding his mother living a filthy apartment that had containers overflowing with human waste and infested with lice and bedbugs.
-
Police charge man with check thefts, serve numerous warrants
Police charged James P. Jewell, 32, of Brockton Housing at Eastern Kentucky University, in connection with the cashing of stolen and forged checks.
-
Woman charged with passing $830 in forged checks
A McKee woman was arrested June 14 following an investigation into forged checks.
-
‘Puppet Frenzy’
Students age 6 to 13 in the Richmond Area Arts Council’s “Puppet Frenzy” summer arts camp this week are designing and making their own puppets under the direction of Richard and Mary Brown. They will put on a puppet show for family and friends on Friday.
- More Local News Headlines
-
James Gandolfini Dies at Age 51
Fmr. TWA Flight 800 Investigators Want New Probe
Raw: Heat, Spurs Back on Court Ahead of Game 7
Dolce and Gabbana Convicted of Tax Evasion
Paris, Prince Depositions Used in Jackson Trial
Coiffed Cattle Get Their Close-up
In Berlin, Obama Channels Cold War Activism
Police at Patriots Tight End's Home for 2nd Day
Fed Suggests Bond Purchases Could Slow
AP: DOJ Broke Own Rules Seizing Phone Records
Raw: Baby White Rhino Debuts at Australian Zoo
Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
