Alert:
NCS’ Re-Engagement Centers prepare the county’s future workforce by connecting youth ages 14 – 24 to jobs and educational opportunities through programs and services. Whether you’re looking for your next move after high school or want to learn more about future career opportunities, we are here to provide you with the tools and resources that you need to reach your goals!
Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) was awarded $2.1 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to establish re-engagement centers at its community centers, teen centers, clubhouses, technology centers, and community partner sites (managed by non-profit organizations) throughout the county to connect (or reconnect) youth and young adults with employment and educational opportunities.
NCS and its partners provides career-readiness and workforce-development services at re-engagement centers:
NCS hosts engagement events featuring career exploration training and job expos to connect youth with potential employers.
In partnership with Fairfax County Public School (FCPS), NCS and partners collaborate to reconnect young adults to FCPS educational pathways that help them reach self-identified goals such as completing a high school diploma, GED, or postsecondary credential or degree.
Young adults are supported in registering for FCPS Adult Community Education (ACE) classes, including ESOL, health and medical careers and apprenticeship/trade industry.
NCS provides young adults with opportunities to develop and practice their leadership skills and styles. Participants are invited to take part in program design, including data collection, communications and coordination. NCS matches youth with staff who provide training to build their capacity and confidence with decision-making. NCS will also invite youth to serve on councils established at key re-engagement centers.
Youth-led teams and a mentor develop action plans including high-level presentations to county and community leaders on collaborative efforts to implement approved projects and pilot programs. NCS youth civic engagement efforts are informed by two essential dimensions of its upward economic mobility framework: community belonging, and power and autonomy.
Using a human-centered design and holistic approach, NCS provides wraparound services, including referrals to county programs, and purchasing services and supports to help youth/opportunity youth mitigate numerous barriers such as cost, location, prerequisites, etc.
NCS case management partners with youth/opportunity youth to help them acquire the resources, skills, and sustained behavior changes (or self-regulation) necessary to overcome poverty. Project staff works with youth/opportunity youth to develop an individualized plan to include youth-driven educational and employment goals as well as referrals and connections to available private and public resources to address immediate basic needs and related barriers.
Services and supports include assisting youth in:
NCS’ community of practice (CoP) for this program includes community and other partners, including the Department of Family Services; Health Department; Housing and Community Development; Fairfax County Public Schools; Juvenile Domestic Relations District Court; and the Community Services Board. This CoP incorporates a collective impact approach and creates a space for members to review progress and adjust the project.
Please email kenya.turner@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Please contact ncsreengagementcenters@fairfaxcounty.gov to schedule your visit with an intake specialist.