Enrolling in our Program

How Do I Enroll?

You can contact us by doing any of the following:

Call us at (770) 345-5483
Email us at cyw@cherokeefocus.org
Stop by 126 Barrett Road
Holly Springs, GA 30115

...and we'll determine your eligibility for the program.

Why Should I Enroll?

"Since I have been coming to Cherokee Youth Works, my confidence level has increased immensely. I used to love coming to school, so dropping out was a stupid mistake. But my instructors have helped me focus and strive to achieve my G.E.D. and I really love and appreciate how they reach out to each individual student."

Parents

The Cherokee Youth Works Program has been in existence for over eight years.
CYW has over a 90% success rate in youth exiting the program.
CYW believes in a holistic approach to working with youth addressing youth's needs and building on their strengths.
Youth will attend GED, life skills and work readiness classes, participate in educational field trips, learn about career opportunities, and be assisted in employment and college entrance.
CYW provides 12 months of follow-up after exit to ensure that youth maintain employment or college enrollment and will step in and assist during this time when necessary.
CYW seeks to assist families as we are helping youth. Parents should feel free to ask for assistance if needed.

potential emplyers

Interested in hiring a youth? Due to our intensive workforce training program, our youth are ready to work.

Classes

The Cherokee Youth Works program began in October 2008 when Cherokee FOCUS identified youth as a population in need of assistance in Cherokee County. The program began with the goal of helping youth with employment and education.

In the Summer of 2009, Cherokee Youth Works helped employ 83 youth at 46 employers in Cherokee County through the ARRA Summer Jobs for Youth Program. Through this program youth were able to gain valuable work experience when youth struggled to find employment during difficult economic times. During the Summer of 2010, CYW partnered with the Department of Human Services to place over 100 youth into employment.

Through these opportunities CYW became known in the community and the program was able to begin assisting youth in many other ways. CYW currently has a life skills, work readiness and GED preparation program. We hope to see all participants achieve their potential to become productive, self-sufficient citizens who contribute to their community. CYW can continue helping youth in the community with your help. You can contribute in the following ways.

DONATE: Help a youth earn a GED, buy a work uniform or purchase food for the family.
TUTOR: Volunteer your time to help youth prepare for the GED in the areas of reading, writing, social studies or science.
SPEAK: Do you have an inspirational story to tell? Do you have a job you would like to come and speak about? Come and share your knowledge and experience with youth in Cherokee County. Email us at cyw@cherokeefocus.org.

GED PREPARATION

We will work with eligible students age 16-24 to prepare them for the GED test. We concentrate on the following GED test areas: math, social studies, science, literature, and writing. Students are given ample opportunity for group and individual instruction. It is our hope that students make great strides academically and that these advances assist in propelling them toward their career and post-secondary goals.

Check out these links for:
More Info or to Register for the GED
Other GED Programs
GED Practice Materials

Work Readiness

The workforce program develops essential employability skills and provides training that will aid our youth in gaining and maintaining employment so that they can lead prosperous and productive lives. Some important areas covered in the workforce development program are:

Resume Writing
Interview Skills
Job Search
Job Coaching
Credential Opportunities Including:
OSHA
ServSafe
CPR/First Aid
Fork Lift

Life Skills

The goal of the Life Skills Program is to mentor, develop, and inspire our youth to become self-sufficient and make positive life choices through proven curriculum and hands-on experiences. Some areas include:

Budgeting
Buying a Car
Tuition Expenses
Establishing Credit
Debt Avoidance
Understanding Taxes
&
Creating and Maintaining
Strong Relationships