Youth Programs

It is the goal of Goodwill Youth Programs to provide work experience and/or academic activities to enable students to be work ready upon graduation.

Building tomorrow’s workforce

Raising a child takes parents, schools, community groups, and others working together to ensure that they will succeed. Goodwill Industries of the Valleys is committed to helping today’s youth become ready for what lies ahead. Through quality programs, Goodwill will help a generation of youth establish the skills, values, and connections they need to become capable, independent, and actively engaged members of their community.

Goodwill programs serve youth between the ages of 8 and 21 throughout the Shenandoah, New River, and Roanoke Valleys. Although the different programs offered provide varying levels of services based on the needs of the individual, all have the same basic goal; to provide work experience and/or academic activities to enable students to be work ready upon graduation from high school.

Programs available for youth

• WIA Title I Youth Program – At-risk youth between the ages of 14 and 21 will benefit from a variety of services to prepare them for postsecondary educational opportunities or employment. Through comprehensive, case managed services, academic and occupational learning will be linked to enhance the youth’s understanding of the importance of education to future success.
• GoodGuides Youth Mentoring - Goodwill Industries of the Valleys is one of 57 Goodwill agencies nationwide to introduce the GoodGuides youth mentoring program for at-risk youth with disabilities or other disadvantages. The purpose of this program is to help youths, ages 12-17, prepare for school completion, develop work skills, identify career paths, and transition to post-high school graduation including post-secondary training. These youth will receive guidance through trusted adult mentors.
• School to Work Transition – Through a partnership that began in 1995, Goodwill and local schools have worked together to provide work opportunities to students age 16-22 with disabilities. To meet the needs of students, employment opportunities are available at Goodwill work centers or in community settings, such as local retail and grocery stores.
• Youth Work Experience – A program designed to provide work experience and academic activities to economically disadvantaged and at-risk youth between the ages of 14 and 21. Focus is on developing work maturity skills, writing a resume, interview and problem solving skills, as well as counseling and support services.
• Youth Mentoring – Serving individuals between the ages of 8 and 19, the program places youth with adult mentors who will provide guidance, support and encouragement needed for character development.

For additional information on the above services please click on the links to the left for the respective program.

For more information on Goodwill Youth Programs, e-mail info@goodwillvalleys.com or call (540) 581.0620.