P H A S E I ( 2 0 01 - 2 0 0 5 ) :
Background of the NCLR Escalera Program: Ta k i n g S t e p s To S u c c e s s DESIGN
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DEMONSTRATION
In 2001, NCLR proposed to develop and implement an Hispanic Youth Workforce Development Initiative that would promote upward mobility for Hispanic youth. This would have an impact on the diversity of the nation’s workforce by enhancing the skills of Hispanic youth to respond to the workforce demands of corporate America, and preparing the youth to successfully compete in the 21st century. NCLR had recently completed a Strategic Plan for Workforce Development with the help of PepsiCo, Inc. and other members of the NCLR Corporate Board of Advisors; they played an integral role in the inception of this plan. The principal goals outlined in this plan were the development of signature workforce development models for Hispanic community-based organizations and the formation of strategic partnerships with corporations. NCLR’s goal was to design a replicable program model that would help Latino high school students graduate from high school, prepare for college, and explore well-paying careers. With support from the PepsiCo Foundation and PepsiCo, Inc., NCLR created, implemented, and funded an employment and college readiness pilot program, the NCLR Escalera Program: Taking Steps to Success. The purpose of the project was to design and test a program model to promote economic mobility for Latino youth by increasing educational attainment, career planning, and access to professional career paths while eliminating barriers to basic and advanced education and employment. The program would incorporate best practices in youth employment and development to provide academic support, work readiness, leadership development, and career exploration and planning for Latino high school students at risk of not graduating. NCLR convened a Planning Committee composed of Affiliate representatives, the National Youth Employment Coalition, NCLR leadership, and senior leadership from PepsiCo and its Frito-Lay division. The purpose of the Escalera design phase was to bring together the resources and expertise of NCLR, its local Affiliates, local facilities of PepsiCo divisions, and secondary and post-secondary educational institutions to serve as an intervention and support system to help vulnerable Latino youth graduate from high school and create an informed plan for their future. The pilot project consisted of the following three components: • Program and curriculum design and identification of select markets with capacity and resources • Demonstration of program planning to implement and evaluate the model in East Los Angeles and Chicago • Documentation and technical assistance to additional sites in adapting the model and curriculum to the needs of the local community
Support from the PepsiCo Foundation allowed NCLR to increase the effectiveness of its network of community-based Affiliates that provide services to Latino youth. NCLR drew from effective practices within its network and used these to strengthen the youth employment and development capacity of local Escalera Program partners and improve its ability to impact the lives of Latino youth. The combination of proven youth programs combined with the provision of linguistically and culturally sensitive programs allowed NCLR Affiliates to be more effective intermediaries for Latino youth
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