LearningWorks

Since August of 2010, JMG has partnered with the Portland-based LearningWorks, an agency serving youth, immigrants, and low income families.

The Jobs for Maine's Graduates program has complemented the Youth Building Alternatives component of LearningWorks with mutual goals and methods that have been integrated naturally and successfully. YBA is an alternative education program for out-of-school youth who have faced barriers to success in the traditional high school environment. Students are expected to complete successfully the three main components of the program:

Academics - students work on the five core subjects that make up the GED exam. Passing the GED is a fundamental goal within the program, but teachers are committed to teaching a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for higher education.

Vocational - Students work with two vocational instructors in a hands-on skills training program. Jobsite activities range from small shop projects such as building tool boxes, benches, and stools, to the building of a tool shed or a barn for a local non-profit agency. The successful student will be awarded a Pre-Apprenticeship Certification Training (PACT) Certificate upon completion of a written component and a demonstration of skills.

Jobs for Maine's Graduates - A JMG Job Specialist individualizes a curriculum that emphasizes the four basic values and components of the program, including leadership, career development, community service, and social awareness. This portion of the YBA program also concentrates on job attainment, job readiness, and job retention skills, as well as transitional and personal skills. A wide variety of JMG experiential projects provide a multitude of teaching and learning experiences for the student. Having a mentor and participating in a job shadow situation or apprenticeship may also be a part of the students experience at YBA-JMG.