Youth Work Experience Service

The Dutchess County government authority in Poughkeepsie, New York, is seeking a vendor to provide a comprehensive youth work experience service. The agency aims to solve the problem of youth lacking preparation for the modern workforce by offering structured opportunities where participants can develop transferable skills applicable to entry-level jobs. This initiative requires a program design that challenges youth and ensures they remain productive while balancing their after-school responsibilities. The scope of work requires the selected vendor to employ youth within local businesses, non-profit organizations, the arts, and agricultural enterprises. The program must help participants identify transferable skills, experience workplace norms and culture, and increase their financial literacy and money management capabilities. Additionally, the service must help youth develop essential social skills, including communication, critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, and self-management. The agency requires the program to educate youth on career pathways, specifically emphasizing the linkages between educational attainment, relevant experience, demonstrable skills, and career advancement. Eligible bidders must be onshore organizations based solely in the United States. The agency allows the performance of the work to occur either onsite or offsite, and the authority is currently looking for proposals to establish the budget for this service.