This toolkit is designed to provide you with helpful guidance, ideas, and materials for understanding the approaches and best practices of the Gateway to Opportunity (G2O) program, and strategies for implementing components of this model in your community. The information in this toolkit covers the foundational components of the model as well as more detailed implementation ideas including tools, resources, and customizable templates.
We honor that every community has unique needs and local expertise. As one of our partners put it, “there is no template for how to do this right.” For that reason, this toolkit is NOT intended to be used as a recipe, but rather as a guide with strong recommendations, best practices, and key steps to have a successful work-based learning program for youth operating within your community.
THIS TOOLKIT IS FOR YOU!
if you agree with any of the statements below...
We want YOUTH &
YOUNG ADULTS
employed in meaningful work in our communities throughout our state.
We want
COMPANIES
to know how to connect with youth and young adults who are interested in meaningful work experiences.
We want COMMUNITIES
to have opportunities to come together to collaborate and celebrate local young people and organizations working together.
We want
FUNDERS
to invest in effective programming where youth and young adults, businesses,
and communities can grow stronger together.
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS
Organizations and businesses that are interested in work-based learning should integrate as many of these elements as possible into their program approach. Central to this model is an emphasis on continuous quality improvement (CQI), data informed decision-making, and shared learning between program partners. The Essential Elements are grouped into the following categories:
Relationship Driven
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youth driven
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team approach
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near-peer support
Collaborative Approach
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layering of services
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school and community partnership
-
business engagement
Learning Rich
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21st century skill development
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hands-on learning experience
-
reflection
Readiness Assessment
We have designed a Readiness Assessment to support organizations and individuals to gauge their ability to implement components of the G2O model locally. The Readiness Assessment is included in the Appendix of the G2O Toolkit, and you can also download it as a standalone document here.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...
"This unique set-up seems to foster growth for nearly everyone involved in the program."
"I love this program and it feels great to learn about things that I am interested in while getting paid."
"The biggest success
was the growth of the students in their knowledge and skills from week 1 to the final presentation...by the end, they showed confidence and passion
for the work."
For more information about the G2O Toolkit, contact:
Susy Hawes
