To provide information about career and career training options, preferably through firsthand experiences with community business leaders and tours of local businesses. Independent programs often forge a partnership with the district to promote recruitment. Letters, flyers, and announcements in local newspapers are simple recruitment tools. Personal contact with parents is a more effective strategy, however. Religious leaders, physicians, and social service workers can also inform parents about programs.
Programs frequently recruit adolescents directly.
Many urban youth are anxious to have a safe place to go where they will receive personal attention. After the children begin attending, staff tries to meet regularly with families, personally and in meetings. Also, communicating with parents of diverse backgrounds about their children's needs, and their child-rearing methods and expectations for their children, can prevent conflicts. It can also help staff better appreciate diversity. Since the entire community feels the impact of youth self-care, establishing an advisory council that includes local leaders is useful.