Youth Services
Our Youth Services division is dedicated to providing programs and services that help youth, ages 14 - 21 reach their education and employment goals. By working in partnership with employers, school districts and communities, the Youth Services division engages in activities that focus on academic achievement, employability skills and life skills. The following web links highlight programs and services offered by Youth Services.
Summer Youth Employment Program
Connections: Children, Youth & Family Resources
Programs for Youth
Out of school & out of work? Need a GED? Need support to stay in school? Each year BCOWD supports several programs in the community that provide employment and training services to targeted low-income, in-school and out-of-school youth, ages 14-18. Specific eligibility requirements and services vary from program to program. Click the links to the current programs to see if you qualify. For more information, locations or to register, see the contact information for each program.
Young Adults Ages 18- 21
Our Workforce Development Centers are available for young adults to look for a job, choose or change a career or develop new skills. Whether you need information, career consultation, training, computer access or other services, our professional and knowledgeable staff will work with you to help you achieve your goals and succeed in today's ever changing job market. Our center locations are as follows:
Workforce Development Center at Eastpoint
7930 Eastern Boulevard
Baltimore, Maryland 21224
410-288-9050
Workforce Development Center at Hunt Valley
11101 McCormick Road, Suite 102
Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031
410-887-7940
Annual Youth Symposium
Each year, BCOWD sponsors this event in an effort to support the County's network of youth-serving organizations and to ensure that youth in Baltimore County have access to quality services and resources. This event features a variety of workshops that focus on best practices and successful strategies for meeting the evolving needs of at-risk youth. National, state and local leaders and experts facilitate the workshops. The next symposium will be held in the fall of 2010. Details regarding this event will be available on this web site.
Summer Youth Employment Program
Program Description
Baltimore County Office of Workforce Development will sponsor a summer employment program for eligible youth ages 14 - 24. The program will operate for six weeks beginning June 28th through August 6th, 2010. Youth will work at public and private sector businesses and earn $8.00 per hour. The goal of the program is to connect youth with employers so they can gain an appreciation of the labor market, gain insights into their own strengths as employable citizens, and learn marketable skills. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will fund the program.
Benefits to Employers
Employers will lay the foundation for a productive future workforce by developing work activities that promote marketable skills. They will have the opportunity to interview and select youth who represent the best fit for their business and in return, Baltimore County Office of Workforce Development (BCOWD) will provide participant wages, liability coverage and ongoing staff support. In addition, all employment forms (work permit, I-9 form, tax forms) will be completed by BCOWD. Download the employer application (PDF).
Benefits to Youth
Youth will gain exposure to the workplace, while enhancing academic abilities and learning marketable skills. They will learn the value of earning a paycheck by working 30 hours per week and earning $8.00 per hour. In preparation for employment, youth will attend Job Readiness Training conducted by the Community College of Baltimore County. Training will emphasize interview techniques, work ethics and Job Retention. Upon completion, you will be referred to employers for a job interview and the results will determine their participation in the program. Job placements will include government offices, as well as private an non-profit organizations. Download the youth application (PDF).
Connections: Children, Youth & Family Resources
Connections is a web-based directory, which provides resources regarding childcare, pregnancy, jobs, legal rights and other areas of concern to youth and families. Access Connections, http://www.bcplonline.org/commpg/connections
Revised March 11, 2010
Courthouse 