P.A.V.E. The Way
PAVE the Way Graduation Video | United Services CAA from United Services CAA on Vimeo.
P.A.V.E. the Way (Project Assets and Values in Education)encourages low-income young people to reach beyond their current circumstances and put themselves in a better position to succeed. Currently being implemented in Hickman Mills School District in KCMO, students meet 3 days a week and are compensated for their participation in the program, receiving the minimum wage rate. There are 4 phases to the classroom experience: Phase I deals with personal development and work readiness. They are asked to evaluate their attitudes, choices, and behaviors and instructed on how each can affect one’s ability to gain and retain employment. Phase II and III allow students to evaluate their skills and explore career options. This includes participation in career assessments, as well as researching education and training expectations for fields of interests. There is also a paid work experience option. And finally, Phase IV is the Leadership Development Institute, designed to unite young people with adults who are interested in mentoring.
One of the great barriers facing most impoverished Americans is that they often lack the social and educational background that other classes take for granted. Things like appropriate attire, punctuality, social skills and etiquette are not innate. All too often, individuals in poverty simply do not know how to play the game and are therefore left standing on the sidelines. P.A.V.E. the Way encourages low-income young people (high school students) to reach beyond their current circumstances and put themselves in a better position to succeed. Our goal is to teach these young people the unspoken “rules” of the game so they can approach the challenges of life with more skill and confidence.
In the last phase of the program, they enter the Leadership Development Institute where they are able to mentor under interested adults who help them further develop their leadership skills and connect them with career and service-oriented opportunities. Students are able to work with local businesses, serve on local committees and boards, and continue the education and training necessary to complete their newly expanding life goals.
CURRENT P.A.V.E. SCHOOLS
- Grandview High
- Ruskin High
- Hickman Mills High
- Hope Academy
- Star Academy
- Imagine Renaissance High
- Oak Park High
Interested in this program? Contact Us!
