Youth Services TOOLKIT

Education is the key to a good job or a successful career. Research shows that earnings of a high school graduate are twice that of a non-high school graduate; earnings for a two year-associate degree average nearly three times more.

Davidson County JobLink provides information about and referrals to a number of services designed to help young people complete high school, receive a GED, enroll in a community college and/or receive training necessary for a good job. JobLink team members can help you map out a plan for getting your high school diploma and any additional education or occupational training you may need.

JobLink team members can refer you to a number of services that can help you overcome obstacles (such as childcare, transportation, financial, etc.) in your education and career plans. JobLink Career Centers provide services to help you explore the many options and opportunities available to you.
Contact or visit a JobLink Center today and connect to your future.

Year Round Youth Program

Get REAL is an alternative school that offers youth ages 16-21 an opportunity to obtain their Adult High School Diploma, career exploration, and preparation and assistance with vocational training and/or finding employment. Get REAL is located at 220 East First Avenue Extension in Lexington; and is a collaborative effort among DavidsonWorks, Davidson County Community College and three local public school systems in Davidson County. For more information, call Eric Torrence at (336) 242-2217.

Useful Links for Youth:

• GED - Earn your GED at DCCC
• Adult High School - Complete high school at DCCC
• Work Permits - Required for all youth employment for persons under 18 years of age
• Youth Rules - Federal Regulations on Youth Employment
• Child Labor Coalition - Information on child labor
• Tips for Parents - National Consumers League
• Children's Safety Network - Adolescent injury and violence protection

Want to know the best way to earn a lot of money?

Stay in school!

As this below chart shows, the more you learn ... the more you earn. Get your 4-year Bachelor Degree, and you will make more than double what a high school dropout earns. And that is not just for one year, but for the rest of your life. Over a 40-year long career, the difference between what you will earn with a bachelors degree or dropping out in 9th grade can be more than $1 million.