Collaborations also expand a program ' s ability to provide diverse, quality work experience and workforce development activities, with community agencies and organizations, the education system, and public agencies. Collaboration with education agencies is increasing, and numerous PEPNet winners are running charter schools. Provide extended services . Effective programs stress longer-term supports for youth, from a minimum of six months to a year, with possibilities for more extended involvement. Structure strong, long-term relationships with competent, caring adults .
Effective programs connect youth to caring adults.
Research, experience, and intuition all support the value to young people of a caring, competent adult they can talk to about plans, problems, decisions, and their future. A Cassadaga Job Corps Center Instructor told a story about a bus driver at the Center who was taking 10 young people from the Job Corps to work sites each day. He heard the complaints and successes on the job and became an informal counselor. Job Corps recognized this and made the bus driver a part of the support staff. Hire and develop quality staff .