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. This toolkit is intended to be flexible so local organizations and schools can adopt the best practices that best meet the needs of your community while maintaining fidelity to the G2O model.
THIS TOOLKIT IS FOR YOU...
if you agree with any of the statements below:
We want YOUTH
We want youth employed in meaningful work in our communities throughout our state
We want companies to know how to connect with youth who are interested in meaningful work experiences
We want COMPANIES
We want COMMUNITIES
We want communities to have opportunities to come together to celebrate young people and local organizations working collaboratively
We want FUNDERS
We want funders to invest in effective programming where youth, 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:
Learning Rich
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21st century skill development
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hands-on learning experience
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reflection
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 partnership
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business engagement
What people are saying...
"This unique set-up seems to foster growth for nearly everyone involved in the program."
HOST SITE
"I love this program and it feels great to learn about things that I am interested in while getting paid."
YOUTH PARTICIPANT
"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."
TEAM LEADER
For more information about the G2O Toolkit, contact:
Claire Schroeder
