Tag Archives: Skillsource

Educating Youth Through Employment

NOVA’s Workforce Development Division attended the recent EYE (Educating Youth through Employment) Appreciation and Awards Ceremony earlier this month. Held by The SkillSource Group, the event celebrated the youth and the employers who participated in the EYE program – a summer initiative that recruits, screens and matches youth ages 18-21 with professional opportunities in the private and public sector, and with other local businesses. SkillSource, in coordination with Fairfax County’s Department of Family Services, has successfully implemented this employer-driven summer employment initiative since 2006.

These young adults are required to attend intensive training workshops before and during their work experiences. The EYE program offers local youth more than just a summer job, but rather an exciting, professional opportunity with training that will allow them to explore a career path that matches their interest. (SkillSource Group)

It was pleasing to see the number of employers who chose to give back to the community by hiring youth this summer. A considerable number of the EYE program participants will be attending Northern Virginia Community College. NOVA Workforce Development representatives met with the students and provided insight into courses and programs available to help the students meet their future goals.

Congratulations to SkillSource, the EYE Program employers, and all the community partners, but most importantly congrats to this year’s EYE Program participants.

 

SkillSource Group EYE program | Educating Youth through Employment


Joe Matope is a Business Development Manager with NOVA Workforce Development Division, and works with employers to develop and deliver customized training solutions for their staff. For more information about NOVA Workforce Development Division’s collaboration with SkillSource Group, contact Joe at jmatope@nvcc.edu.

2014 EYE Program Graduation

On August 8, 2014 at the Waterford at Fair Oaks the Workforce Development Division participated in the closing ceremonies of the 2014 Northern Virginia Educating Youth through Employment (EYE) program. This summer initiative recruits, screens and matches youth ages 18-21 with professional opportunities in the private sector and other area businesses. These young adults are required to attend intensive training workshops before and during their work experiences. The EYE program offers local youth more than just a summer job, but rather an exciting, professional opportunity with training that will allow them to explore a career path that matches their interests.     SkillSource, in coordination with Fairfax County’s Department of Family Services operates this employer-driven summer employment initiative. This year 138 young adults completed the program.

More than 175 people attended this year’s closing ceremony. The Workforce Development Division had staffed a display table at the resource fair that takes place as a part of the event. Most of the EYE program graduates visited our table. They were eager to find information about the different program offerings that are available. The Workforce Development Division is looking forward to working with Skillsource on future projects that will have a long term impact on the Northern Virginia business community.