9. Why Developed / Problems / Issues Targeted

 What are the main aims or objectives of the initiative? Is it designed to address any particular problems or issues? If so, please specify what these are. A need was determined that this age group required specific assistance in transitioning from school to work, maintaining employment and obtaining direction in career planning and education.

10. Key Features / Content

  • Innovative
  • Effective
  • Promising
 Please describe the main features of the program, focusing in particular on those aspects that are particularly innovative, effective or promising.

Through the Youth Connections program participants have access to :

  • Career counselling services
  • Work exploration opportunities (e.g. job shadowing, work experience, and workplace training)
  • Job search services (equipment to apply for work, résumé writing, job search tips and interview skills, a database of job opportunities)
  • Information on education options
11. Funding Mechanisms Please describe the type of funding mechanism used for this initiative (e.g. provider’s own budget, service contract, grant, co-funding etc.) Alberta Government, AEII, contracts with community agencies and businesses to provide services to youth.
12. Organizational Dimensions Please describe any key organizational dimensions of this initiative, e.g. delivery mechanisms, number of trainers, reporting structure etc.

Each Youth Connections contract is different. Some provide self-serve assistance while others provide a range of services including one on one counselling. Some of our Youth Connections sites operate within high schools.
13. Partnerships Integral or Related Are there any partner organizations involved in the delivery of the initiative? If so, please provide brief details of the partnership arrangements.  
14. Stakeholder Involvement What mechanisms are used, if any, to involve key stakeholders involved in the development, delivery or evaluation of the initiative? Which groups of stakeholders are involved? Community, employers, youth and education institutions. Youth Connections is delivered through third party contractors.
15. Key Changes Over Time Have there been any major changes in the content or delivery of this initiative over time? If yes, please give brief details.