Teen Vocational Development Toolkit Many organizations working with teenagers have discovered that this sometimes-challenging population can be effectively engaged in programs that emphasize career exploration and on-the-job experience. This toolkit will help FBO leaders to get oriented to these kinds of programs and understand the potential benefits of them. The toolkit also includes reviews of curriculum FBO leaders may want to try as well as various sample exercises/activities to conduct with teens in a vocational development program. Getting participant and parent feedback is an important part of any solid youth program, and so the toolkit includes sample evaluation forms that could be used “as is” or adapted to fit specific program needs. Project Development Tools This short article introduces those new to the field to the main types of teen vocational development programs/curricula and mentions a few of the benefits of these kinds of programs. Want to convince your funders, staff, and volunteers that launching a teen vocational development program is a good idea? This document highlights research findings from a variety of studies that indicate the positive benefit for youth, especially at-risk and disabled youth, of these kinds of programs. Use this checklist to help ensure you attend to all the details and issues relevant to starting this kind of teen vocational development initiative. This week-by-week guide will help you in planning wisely as you launch a new teen vocational development program. Project Implementation Tools 1. Curriculum Review of Pathfinder: Exploring Career and Educational Paths This is a detailed overview of the Pathfinder program’s curriculum. 2. Curriculum Review of YES!® (Youth Exploration Survey): An Extreme Journey This is a detailed overview of the YES program’s curriculum. 3. Student Self- Assessment: Work Values This questionnaire assists students in identifying broad characteristics or values that are important to them in a potential career. These values include such concepts as autonomy (job that permit employees to work alone and make decisions); comfort (jobs providing security and a good working environment); altruism (jobs that allow employees to serve others and work in non-competitive environments), and others. 4. Self-Assessment Questionnaire: Work Abilities Students use this mini-survey to rank their abilities in over thirty different skill areas. 5. Self-Assessment Questionnaire: Work Habits This tool helps students to identify their strengths and weaknesses regarding job readiness and work habits (such as punctuality, dependability). 6. Student Interest Survey Program coordinators can use this preliminary interest survey, completed by students, to help them determine what kinds of work placements and job shadowing placements would complement the student’s interest areas. Project Evaluation Tools 1. Job Host Evaluation Program directors can use this form with those employers who participate in a job shadowing or internship program. It asks these individuals to rate the program, the participating student, and themselves. 2. Parent Evaluation Use this form to obtain feedback from parents of the youth who participate in your program, to get their perspective on how it affected their kids. 3. Student Evaluation Use this form with students in your job shadowing program, to hear their feedback and learn about how you might improve the program in the future. | 
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