Suggested Timing:

• ask youth to set own times during orientation, within set parameters (ie. - between 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., 16 -20 hours a week)
• 5 half-days per week, Monday-Friday, alternating classes and co-op
• 4 days per week, Monday-Thursday, 5 hours a day with breaks every hour
• early afternoon, 3-4 hours per day, Monday-Friday

Suggested Structure:

• contract with students at outset to ensure ownership/ commitment
• individual contracts for learning goals, general program contracts
• write contracts with students
• be prepared to follow through with contracts, rules!
• flexibility needs to be place within overall structure - interpersonal and communication skills can be developed in negotiation of individual exceptions to general rules, renegotiation of contracts etc.
• build in time for individual feedback sessions weekly

Suggested Activities:

• semi-controlled chat rooms
• multi-media projects (ie mock up of house design)
• self awareness, other and group awareness exercises
• arts based projects - produce a professional portfolio
• co-op or simulated job-related activities
• life skills
• field trips to meet needs and interests
• screenwriting and videotaping
• writing business plans
• active learning, job-shadowing