The In-School Youth Employment Program serves young adults 16-24 years of age who are a current Berks County Resident. Six to eight-week cohorts of work experiences run year-round and are tailored to fit student schedules.

Participants can earn from $10.00-$15.00 an hour, determined by the program. Local employers offer positions spanning a variety of occupations: healthcare, manufacturing, clerical, outdoor maintenance, education, retail, etc.

The number of work experiences to be offered annually depends on available program funding.

Additionally, participants will automatically receive career development skills training which is offered by their case manager.

For more information, please contact a team member:

Supervisor – Tristan Prostovich – 610-988-1320 or TProstovich@bccl.org
Case Manager – Nichole Miller – 610-988-1335 or NMiller@bccl.org

High School Equivalency/GED instruction is provided free of charge to eligible young adults who are interested in pursuing employment and/or post-secondary education once you obtain your GED. Classes are held in English during daytime hours. All expenses including testing fees, materials, and supplies are covered by the program. In addition, participants can earn a stipend each week depending upon participation and attendance in class. The average length of time is takes for a participant to obtain the GED is 12-16 weeks.

While in class, you work one-on-one with your assigned case manager, who assists you in creating and carrying out a detailed career plan. You may also work in the Paid Work Experience Program (described on this page).

Career Services are provided free of charge to eligible young adults who have graduated high school or any type of post-secondary education and are looking for assistance in finding work or enrolling in post-secondary education.

You will develop an in-depth career plan that can contain a variety of components including job shadowing, volunteering, interning, participating in the part time Paid Work Experience Program, college visits, interview prep, job search, and more. Assessments and standardized tests are utilized to gauge your work skills. You will also take WorkKeys^® Assessments to earn an ACT^® National Career Readiness Certificate, which certifies essential skills for the workplace.

The Paid Work Experience (PWE) Program is available to those enrolled in either the High School Equivalency/GED or Career Services programs. Participants have a part-time, temporary assignment with a local employer in the career field of your choice. Wages are between $10-$15 an hour depending on the difficulty of the job and are paid by the program. You work anywhere from 8-12 weeks with an employer, and can participate in multiple PWE placements. This program allows you to build your resume, try out different career areas, job shadow with some of the area’s leading employers, and earn money while doing it. Participants may be hired on full or part-time by their paid work employer after a successful placement.

The Young Adult Re-Entry Program is an opportunity for a second chance! It is available for participants aged 18-24 who have been involved in the justice system. This program will assist participants with obtaining their high school equivalency diploma and/or employment.

Connect to Success offers program-related transportation and financial assistance. It is provided free of charge to eligible young adults who are interested in pursuing employment and/or post-secondary education once they obtain their high school equivalency diploma.

Classes are held in English during daytime hours.

All expenses, including testing fees, materials, eligible training fees, and supplies are covered by the program. In addition, participants can earn a stipend each week for class attendance.

Supervisor – Tristan Prostovich – 610-988-1320 or TProstovich@bccl.org
Case Manager – Heather Dunkle – 610-9881332 or HDunkle@bccl.org