A high degree of social capital is one of the greatest predictors of labor market involvement and success. A growing body of research points to the pivotal role social capital plays in providing individuals with access to opportunities. Social Capital Builders is dedicated to providing human service systems and businesses with the expert guidance they need to build a culturally competent social capital framework in order to promote equality of access and increase economic opportunities of the populations they serve.

Provides workforce development leadership, strategic direction and oversight for mission delivery to a network of more than 100 programs in 17 states targeting the most marginalized youth and their families - those most at-risk of, or currently in, out-of-home placements, such as secure detention, jails, residential treatment centers, group homes, etc. Works in concert with YAP's Executive Leadership Team to develop and guide strategic direction, improve programs effectiveness, and assist in the leadership of the organization. Operates effectively across functional boundaries, building and sustaining external and internal relationships with workforce, juvenile justice, education, child welfare, and behavioral health agencies. Oversees the operations of departmental programs, ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, and guidelines while promoting innovative practices and accountability. Cultivates and maintains a positive, collaborative relationship with partners, community-based organizations, educational institutions, businesses, referral and/or funding organizations to support and best meet needs of youth and their families. Chief architect of innovative programming designed to advance future economic opportunities of marginalized populations. Uses a wide range of skills to educate the public and policy makers about the workforce needs of this population. Seeks increased funding, culturally competent programming and resources for at-risk youth and young adults. Responsible for the expansion of YAP's mission delivery footprint in the workforce development arena with special attention paid to development of evidence based services for scalability and expansion.

STRIVE DC helps chronically unemployed people in the Washington, DC area transform their lives through employment. The program helps people find and keep employment through three programs. Since opening in 1999, STRIVE DC has graduated over 1,600 people from its signature job readiness program! STRIVE DC trains graduates about 150 per year from job-readiness training; places over 60% of its graduates in jobs and keeps 60% of those who find jobs, working for at least two years. In 2010, the Strive for Success GED program enrolled just over 80 students of which 70% gained at least one grade level in math and/or reading. Twenty-four (24) students so far have gone on to earn their GED. Additionally, one graduate has completed basic training and another is enrolled in a four-year university. Career Gear has clothed over 400 men thus far in 2010.

Edward DeJesus Seminars and Consulting is dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk youth, and the policies and programs that serve them through research, training and the power of youth cultural competence (YCC). Our innovative research, training, products and information help policy organizations, advocacy groups, foundations, community based organizations and educational institutions better meet the needs of today’s youth. Our unmatched services, reinforced by a comprehensive network, youth development and workforce experts, and strategic partnerships sets Edward DeJesus Seminars and Consulting apart from any other entity seeking to effectively reach and impact today’s youth.A private, minority-owned enterprise headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Edward DeJesus Seminars and Consulting is one of the leading authorities on youth programming that utilizes effective practices and youth cultural competence to connect with young people and help them succeed in the world of work and school.Edward DeJesus Seminars and Consulting (EDSC) brings new excitement to youth service models through cutting-edge approaches for working with America’s youth and promoting the importance of work experience and education. Beyond training seminars and workshops, research studies and national polls, EDSC has mastered the art of developing programs that incorporate YCC to reach America’s youth. EDSC services have radical results in helping connect youth to the programs that serve them. Our unique melding of skills as policy analysts, researchers, EDSC are consultants to some of the nation's leading youth service organizations.

AchievementsProviding technical assistance and training services to 100+ workforce and youth development organizations on issues surrounding youth employment, engagement and development.Conducting research for numerous national foundations, U.S. Department of Labor and National Education groups on key issues affecting youth recruitment, retention, placement and education.Developing a sound youth engagement methodology that has now been adopted and is in use by 25+ youth service organizations nationally.Working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders and clients within a broad network to bring about an increased awareness of youth recruitment and education issues.Conceptualizing and project managing key initiatives within this field to engage both sets of stakeholders - the facilitators and the participants.

Promising & Effective Practices Network; Leading the development and implementation of a federally funded effort to identify and disseminate information about best practices in the field of youth employment and training.Acutely and transparently managing all organizational resources, including funding and budgets, staffing and equipment, written materials and other resources.Project managing key components of the initiative, including engaging with stakeholders, providing status reports to the funding agency and managing timelines and milestones.

Initiating the implementation of the largest federal demonstration project in the South Bronx section of New York City. Being responsible for a budget of $3.2M directed at providing services for in-school and out-of-school youth in the West Farms Section, The Bronx.Leading a dedicated team of staff and volunteers to bring about a change in youth engagement programs; facilitating a benchmark program that could be used as a model around the country.

Center for Employment, Training and Education

Leading a dedicated JTPA effort designed to meet the changing needs of basic skills-deficient youth in the South Bronx.

Leading a dedicated JTPA effort designed to meet the changing needs of basic skills-deficient youth in the South Bronx.