The NOVA Young Adult Employment Program is an information-rich environment in which young people ages 17–24 learn to conduct an effective job search, research careers, access job listings, find volunteer opportunities, and much more. Friendly, professional staff support youth in making informed choices about jobs, education and careers. Our services include:
Career Guidance Services
NOVA receives funds to assist young adults (ages 17-24) in their career goals. Participants receive individualized support and meaningful work experience. Our career guidance program targets young adults who are:
- High school dropouts or at risk of dropping out
- Pursuing GED or HiSET or receiving vocational training at an adult education center
- Ex-offenders
- Homeless
- Pregnant or parenting
- Disabled
- Economically disadvantaged (e.g., TANF, SNAP, Cash Aid, General Assistance)
- Foster youth
Individual Support
Staff provide resources, mentorship, and assistance to young adults in exploring and developing educational and career goals. Goals focus on improving basic skills, attaining high school diploma/GED, pursuing higher education or training, and ultimately, securing employment.
Work Experience Program
Young adults starting out in their careers are matched with employers offering work-experience opportunities. Young adults gain valuable skills, responsibility, and income; employers gain a motivated intern whose wages are subsidized by NOVA.
Training
In addition to all the services listed above, NOVA's Menlo Park center, JobTrain, also provides training to eligible young adults. Entry-level training leading to certification is available in the business, construction, healthcare, and culinary industries. Staff also assist with job-search assistance and employment placement following training.
Youth@Work
Youth@Work provides current job opportunities to young adults throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as resources to assist young adults with resumés, interviews, and other job-search services. Businesses or organizations operating in San Mateo or northern Santa Clara counties may post their job opportunities on Youth@Work at no-cost by contacting NOVA at 408-730-7640 or youth@novaworks.org.
