WHO WE PROPOSE To SERVE

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Slogan: Leaders Are LIke EAGLES Soaring To New Heights

Empowering Purpose through Healthy Choices

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Summary:

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Our goal is to ensure that youth, young adults, and adults in underserved and disadvantaged communities have access to high-quality prevention education, workforce development, job readiness training, career pathway exploration, financial literacy, leadership development, entrepreneurship exposure, and mental health wellness support.

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While the populations listed below are the primary groups we propose to serve, our programs are inclusive and will extend to other populations who can benefit most from the YouLEAD EPICenter’s Project Initiative - Empowered4Purpose 5-tier evidence-informed programs and simulation-based learning experiences.

 

With community investment and collaborative partnerships, YAN will be equipped to serve thousands of emerging and aspiring leaders preparing to pursue their dreams, strengthen their families, and contribute to the economic well-being of their communities.

 

Students Grades 8–12 (Ages 13–18):

 

Students in grades 8–12 benefit from early exposure to prevention education, leadership development, career exploration, and workforce-readiness skills that prepare them for lifelong success. Through the YouLEAD EPICenter Simulation Incubator, students gain structured learning experiences that support healthy decision-making, strengthen academic and career pathways, and build the confidence needed to pursue their dreams.

 

Students will benefit from:

• Prevention Education that helps them avoid alcohol, drugs, vaping, and all forms of violence—building the foundation for healthier life choices.

• Job Readiness and Career Pathway Exploration that exposes youth to real-world careers early, helping them identify interests and future goals.

• Leadership and Character Development Training that teaches responsibility, integrity, teamwork, and effective decision-making.

• Entrepreneurship Exploration that introduces business concepts and sparks innovative thinking.

 

• Financial Literacy Education that teaches budgeting, saving, credit awareness, and the importance of long-term financial habits.

• Immersive Educational–Virtual Reality Career Simulations (Oculus Quest, Pico Neo, HTC Vive) that allow students to experience hands-on learning in various occupations, increasing engagement and career awareness.

• Mental Health Wellness Skills and Support to enhance emotional regulation, stress management, self-awareness, and resilience.

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• Preparation for Post-Secondary Success, including pathways to college, technical training, internships, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities.

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Parents and Caring Adults of Youth Served by FLON/YAN:

 

These adults:

• Are already connected to youth participating in FLON/YAN programs

• Seek improved financial stability for their families

• Benefit from workforce development, job readiness, financial literacy guidance, introduction to entrepreneurship, mental health wellness.

 

How they benefit:

They gain skills that strengthen household stability, improve family economic outcomes, and model goal-setting and leadership for their children.

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​Young Adults Ages 19–25:

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Young adults benefit from the YouLEAD EPICenter Project Initiative - Empowered4Purpose 5-Tier programs because they are in a critical transition period where they are:

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• Moving from high school or college into the workforce

• Seeking employment, career direction, or professional identity

• Exploring entrepreneurship opportunities

• Often underemployed or unemployed

• Eligible for many local, state, and federal workforce development supports

 

How they benefit:

This group receives structured workforce development, job readiness training, career pathway exploration, leadership development, entrepreneurship introduction, financial literacy, prevention education (i.e., alcohol, drugs and violent behavior and mental health wellness education—helping them form lifelong habits, make informed career decisions, and build economic mobility.

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​Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD):

 

This population includes young adults who have intellectual or developmental disabilities and benefit from structured support, accessible learning environments, and hands-on workforce preparation.

 

How they benefit:

They receive tailored job readiness training, life skills development, career exploration through virtual-reality simulations, financial literacy instruction, and mental wellness support that prepares them for supported employment, independent living, and greater community inclusion.

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​​​Unemployed or Underemployed Adults:

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• This includes adults who:

• Have lost employment

• Are working part-time or low-wage jobs

• Need upskilling or reskilling to secure better opportunities

 

How they benefit:

They gain immediate access to job readiness training, interview preparation, soft skills, industry-aligned simulation experiences, and support to transition into stable, higher-wage employment.

 

Adults Returning to the Workforce:

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This group includes:

• Parents re-entering employment

• Caregivers transitioning back to work

• Individuals recovering from illness or major life changes

 

How they benefit:

They receive updated workforce skills, confidence-building training, career coaching, and current job market preparation to support a successful return to employment.

 

Career Changers and Adults Seeking Advancement:

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Includes adults who:

• Want higher income or upward mobility

• Need new certifications or technical skills

• Have leadership or entrepreneurship aspirations

 

How they benefit:

They benefit from advanced job skills development, entrepreneurship training, leadership development, and financial education that helps them transition into new careers or elevate within their current field.​​​​​​​