I'm 15-16 years old

Education

• Youth shall have a concrete plan detailing how he/she shall complete high school, earn a certificate of program completion, or obtain a GED, which includes specific steps to meet any gaps in required courses. Plans shall be signed by appropriate school personnel, parent, and youth and maintained in school records.

• Youth shall have an awareness of colleges, trade schools, or technical trainings and what is needed to reach goals. Youth shall have an opportunity to participate in a driver’s education program.

• Youth shall be assisted in obtaining a driver’s license or Maryland identification card.

• Disconnected youth shall have an established re-engagement plan.

Employment

• Youth shall receive assistance in the exploration of employment and/or occupational interests and the skills and/or training required for possible fields of interest.

• Youth shall understand what minimum wage means.

• Youth shall develop a realistic concept of the type of jobs available to youth.

• Youth shall explore options for summer youth employment.

• Youth shall engage in work experience, job shadowing and/or volunteer activities.

• Youth shall be aware of appropriate attire for job interviews and work.

• Youth shall understand how to access transportation to and from work.

Health/Mental Health

• Youth shall be provided with information that shall assist him/her in understanding the importance of medical conditions, family medical history, and how to be responsible with healthy diet and exercise.

• Youth shall understand the importance of maintaining medical documents.

• Youth shall be able to identify supports.

• Youth shall understand safe and healthy relationships (in regards to dating).

Housing

• Youth shall be able to go shopping for food, prepare simple food and meals, and safely store food.

• Youth shall be able to identify a safe haven for short stay housing, if needed.

• Youth shall begin to acquire necessary household items and caring for them, whether school-based or prepaid.

Financial Literacy/Resources

• Youth shall be able to safely and effectively manage their money; establish alternatives to using check cashing services, payday lending, etc.

• Youth shall understand basic financial skills – checking/savings, loans/contract/budgets, and credit cards use.

• Youth shall establish savings goals.

• Youth shall have a budgeted clothing allowance.

Family & Friends Support

• Youth shall identify appropriate, committed adult supports.

• Youth shall understand the importance of developing lifelong relationships with caring adults.