The program makes the transition from school to work or college easier. Eligible high school students age 16 and over can receive special tutoring, work experience, mentoring and comprehensive counseling services designed to help them stay in school and earn a high school diploma. Young adults up to age 21 who are not in school receive work experience and help in earning a high school diploma or G.E.D.
“We want to make sure students have the tools to make the transition from school to work or college,” said B.J. Lowe, coordinator of WIA Youth Services.Zach Lakins, a freshman at Walters State Community College, credits the program with helping him decide what to do after graduation.
He signed up last spring and attended the Summer Career Camp, an intensive one-week program that helps teens prepare for life after high school. It was during his time at camp that he devised a plan for his future.
“At camp, we learned how to apply for college and took field trips to different work places. That week helped me decide that I wanted to go to college. In high school, I didn’t really think about the future. Now I’m looking forward to it,” Lakins said.Lakins still relies on the skills learned at the Summer Career Camp.
The camp’s lessons in time management are particularly valuable as he juggles school and a job.
The WIA Youth Services Program is funded by the Workforce Investment Act and administered by the Center for Workforce Development at Walters State Community College.For information on WIA Youth Services contact: Sevier County: (In school) Janie Hearn (865) 428-9175.

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