YouLEAD EPICenter                              Educational & Economic Projects Impacting  Communities             
An Innovative Simulation Incubator 
Community-Based Site and School Based Sites 

                         Emerging Leaders: Empowered4Purpose Project Initiative                                           

 

Emerging Leaders: Empowered4Purpose – Five-Tier Training Model

 

Unlocking YOUR Potential at YouLEAD EPICenter ​

                                                                   

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Tier 1: Healthy Choices Equal Healthy Pathways

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tier 1 lays the foundation for personal and professional success by focusing on prevention education and life skills. Participants learn to make informed, responsible decisions that protect their health and future. By building emotional awareness, resilience, and accountability, this tier prevents behaviors that could hinder education or employment.

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​This first level creates the foundation for sustainable workforce participation by instilling discipline, confidence, and respect—qualities essential for leadership and employability.

​Participants gain the confidence to make responsible choices that create healthy pathways in school, work, and life.

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Objectives:

• Increase awareness of the risks of alcohol, drugs, tobacco/vaping, and violence.

• Strengthen decision-making and conflict-resolution skills.

• Improve emotional awareness, self-control, and resilience.

• Promote personal accountability and respect for self and others.

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​                                                                                                                                                                                                         Tier 2: DREAMS2Career Workforce Development

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Tier 2 Leadership Development, Career Pathway Occupations Exploration, Job Readiness and Financial Literacy component of the DREAMS²Career Workforce Development Tier equips youth and adults with the financial and professional skills necessary for long-term success. Tier 2 tier prepares individuals for sustainable employment by focusing on foundational job-readiness skills and occupational competencies.

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Participants receive instruction in résumé, cover and thank you letter writing, traditional mock interviewing and through the lens of virtual reality technology (Oculus Quest).

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Also workplace professionalism, communication, and problem-solving, combined with technical or trade-specific training aligned with high-demand, high-wage industries.

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​This approach builds the core competencies required to enter or re-enter the workforce, advance within chosen careers, and contribute to local economic growth. Emphasis is placed on hands-on learning, mentorship, and employer engagement, ensuring participants transition smoothly from training to employment.

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​Workforce development training supports individuals in achieving economic stability and self-sufficiency, while strengthening the region’s talent pipeline and meeting the evolving needs of employers. 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                      ​Leadership and Character Development:

 

​​“Leadership is the capacity to influence others through inspiration, motivated by a passion, generated by a vision, produced by a conviction, ignited by a purpose.”

            — Dr. Myles Munroe

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The late Dr. Munroe, Dr. Clemons mentor often expanded on this by teaching that:

 

Leadership and Character Development lays the foundation for personal and professional success by focusing on prevention education and life skills. Participants learn to make informed, responsible decisions that protect their health and future. By building emotional awareness, resilience, and accountability, this tier prevents behaviors that could hinder education or employment.

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Leadership is born when purpose is discovered, not when a title is given.

Every person is a leader in the area of their gifting—leadership begins with self-discipline, vision, and a commitment to serve others.

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This module strengthens participants’ integrity, responsibility, and decision-making while fostering the confidence and emotional intelligence needed to lead effectively.

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Through interactive workshops, service-learning projects, and team-based activities, participants learn the principles of ethical leadership, respectful communication, and accountability in both personal and professional settings.

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​Additional lessons focus on conflict resolution, problem-solving, time management, and goal setting, equipping participants to take initiative and demonstrate positive leadership in school, at work, and within their communities.

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By the end of the module, participants understand that true leadership is demonstrated through service, responsibility, and integrity.

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                                                                                                                                                                Career Pathway Occupations Exploration:

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The Career Pathway Occupations Exploration module introduces youth and adults to a variety of in-demand, high-salary occupations through hands-on, immersive learning experiences. Using Educational–Virtual Reality (E-VR) technology, participants explore real-world environments across multiple Career and Technical Education (CTE) clusters, including healthcare, aviation, construction, welding, HVAC, information technology, robotics, and more. 

 

A highlight of this module is Work Window, an innovative job shadowing simulation that places participants virtually on the job site. Through Work Window, learners experience a day in the life of professionals across numerous industries, observe workplace settings, and understand the responsibilities, skills, annual salary, ask questions (pre-recorded video) and teamwork required for success. 

These experiences help participants identify their strengths, clarify career interests, and align education with employment goals. By connecting exploration with real-world application, the Career Pathway Occupations Exploration module empowers participants to pursue meaningful, high-demand career pathways—contributing to both individual advancement and community economic growth.

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Job Readiness: ​

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The Job Readiness component prepares youth and adults to confidently enter and succeed in the workforce. Participants develop essential employability skills, including resume writing, cover and thank-you letter preparation, interview techniques, and workplace professionalism. 

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Through hands-on learning and Educational–Virtual Reality (E-VR) simulations, participants practice communication, time management, and decision-making in real-world workplace scenarios.

This training bridge, the gap between education and employment by equipping individuals with the confidence, competence, and soft skills employers seek.  

 

The Job Readiness module ensures participants are workforce-ready, career-focused, and empowered to pursue high-demand, high-salary occupations that promote self-sufficiency and community growth. Back to YouLEAD EPICenter

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                                                                                                                                   Job Interview Simulator​

 

 

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                                     Press Play Button and Click on music note to listen

 

The Job Interview Simulator (JIS) is one of the most requested job readiness training modules requested by school administrators and non-for-profit college preparation agencies. Since 2022, over 2,000 students in grades 8–12 have successfully completed this hands-on immersive experience, which replicates a real-life job interview through the Oculus Quest VR headset. Watch Video

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Guided by a virtual HR Specialist, participants are taken through every stage of the interview process—beginning with reading an email invitation, selecting professional attire, locating their assigned floor for the interview, and responding to realistic interview questions. At the end of the session, participants receive a performance score and detailed feedback to strengthen future interview performance.

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Students often express that they prefer the VR interview experience over traditional mock interviews, finding it more engaging and less intimidating. Adult participants have reported that the JIS experience helped them secure employment, proving its effectiveness in building real-world confidence and readiness for professional success.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

                                                                                                             

                                                       Financial Literacy Education

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Financial Literacy module equips youth and adults with the knowledge and skills to make sound financial decisions that lead to stability and long-term success for economic well-being  Participants learn how to manage money wisely, create and follow budgets, understand credit and debt, and build savings for the future.

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Through engaging lessons and real-world applications, participants strengthen their confidence to set financial goals, make informed choices, and develop healthy financial habits. This training promotes self-sufficiency, economic empowerment, and the ability to build wealth that sustains families and communities.

 

                           Financial Literacy (FDIC Money Smart Curriculum)

The Financial Literacy component utilizes the FDIC Money Smart curriculum—an evidence-based program designed to help participants strengthen their financial decision-making and economic stability. This interactive training is age-appropriate for youth (ages 14–25) and adults, offering practical lessons on how to manage money, create budgets, build savings, and understand credit.

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Participants learn how to make informed choices about banking, loans, and financial planning while developing the skills needed to achieve independence and long-term success. Through engaging discussions, simulations, and real-world applications, individuals gain the tools to build wealth responsibly, avoid financial pitfalls, and contribute to stronger families and communities.

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Tier 3: Professional Skills Development 

 

Tier 3 focuses on soft skills and professional conduct necessary for success in any workplace or industry. Participants learn communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving through experiential learning and simulations.

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The soft skills training develops the interpersonal, communication, and emotional intelligence skills essential for success in any workplace or career pathway. Participants learn how to effectively collaborate, manage time, solve problems, and demonstrate professionalism in diverse work environments.

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This training emphasizes FLONs C.A.R.E. Principle—Committed, Accountable, Respectful, and Engaged taught for over 25 years —as a foundation for workplace excellence and leadership. Through interactive lessons, simulations, and role-play exercises, participants practice behaviors that foster teamwork, adaptability, and positive customer and peer interactions.

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Soft skills training enhances job performance, strengthens workplace culture, and prepares participants to navigate professional challenges with confidence, empathy, and integrity—qualities that distinguish strong employees and emerging leaders.  Back to YouLEAD EPICenter      

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Tier 4 – Introduction to Entrepreneurship

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tier 4 Introduction to Entrepreneurship inspires creativity, innovation, and financial independence by teaching participants how to transform ideas into successful business ventures. Youth and adults explore the fundamentals of business ownership, including planning, budgeting, marketing, and customer service.

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Participants also learn how to pitch their business ventures before presenting their products or services at the E.A.G.L.E.S. – Emerging and Aspiring Global Leaders and Entrepreneurs Soaring Summit. Local business owners serve as guest speakers, providing mentorship, feedback, and real-world insight. 

 

Through project-based learning and hands-on experiences, participants develop confidence in their ability to think critically, solve problems, and bring their visions to life. This training promotes self-sufficiency, strengthens leadership, and encourages participants to become job creators who contribute to economic growth and community development Encourages creativity and innovation by teaching participants how to develop business ideas into sustainable ventures that can stimulate the economy throughout local communities. Back to YouLEAD EPICenter      

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Tier 5 – Sankofa Village: Power of Community

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Tier 5 currently under development is refined to address unmet needs for mental health wellness, resilience, and community leadership into workforce development. Using our Sankofa Rites of Passage framework, participants progress through self-discovery, identity development, and support group sessions while gaining Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid certification.

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​This capstone tier reinforces the emotional intelligence, stability, and cultural identity necessary for sustained success in the workplace and community. It builds a trauma-informed, compassionate workforce that promotes unity and well-being across target communities.  

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​Mental health wellness, social-emotional resilience, and community leadership through a holistic, culturally grounded approach 

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How the Rites of Passage Framework Works:

Participants move through structured stages guided by community members who have completed the Sankofa Village Rites of Passage program. These stages build self-knowledge, discipline, and purpose, culminating in a community recognition ceremony that affirms their development and readiness for work, leadership, and life.  Below is a brief summary...

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Goal:

To strengthen the emotional, social, and economic well-being of youth and adults by integrating workforce development, job readiness, mental health education, and a culturally grounded Rites of Passage framework that promotes healing, stability, and sustainable community growth.

 

​Objectives:

• Increase awareness of how mental health and emotional wellness impact workforce performance and personal success.

• Reduce stigma around mental illness through education, empathy, and early intervention.

• Equip participants with tools to manage stress, trauma, and triggers that may escalate conflict or violence.

• Enhance emotional regulation and communication to improve relationships at work, home, and in the community.

• Provide Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid to identify and respond to mental health concerns.

• Address root causes of violence and instability via resilience, social connection, and timely referrals.

• Integrate Rites of Passage milestones to reinforce accountability, service, and leadership linked to job readiness and retention.

• Align mental health education with workforce development to improve employment stability and advancement.​

 

                                             How Emotional Wellness and Mental Health Impact                                                Workforce Development and Job Readiness

 

Emotional wellness and mental health directly influence a person’s ability to secure, retain, and succeed in employment. When individuals understand how their emotions, stress responses, and mental health challenges affect their behavior, decisions, and performance, they become better prepared for the expectations of the workforce.

 

Here’s how mental wellness connects to job readiness:

 

1. Emotional Regulation Affects Job Performance

Stress, anger, frustration, and anxiety can lead to poor decision-making, conflict with coworkers, and difficulty completing tasks. Learning how to manage emotions improves communication, productivity, and professionalism.

 

2. Mental Health Influences Reliability and Stability

Employers look for individuals who can show up consistently, stay focused, and manage responsibilities. Mental wellness strengthens resilience and improves attendance, dependability, and long-term employment retention.

Tier 5 strengthens the workforce pipeline created through Tiers 1–4 by improving emotional intelligence, stability, and job readiness.

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For More Information Email To dclemons@flon.org

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                                                    YouLEAD Assistance Network (YAN)

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