The Institute for the Study of Civic Values

Although established in Philadelphia I believe this Institute would be very benefical to all communities throughout the United States. This institute is invovled in many projects at one time and at this time in the United States economy in relation to the job market, I feel their PHILLY PROGRAM could be adopted in other states to help better prepare their unskilled workers and get them ready to enter the work force. See what makes this program work:

PhillyCorps is a project of the Institute for the Study of Civic Values that involves placing public assistance recipients in community service internships throughout Philadelphia linked to their current skills and long-range career goals. PhillyCorps helps people on welfare gain work experience now within the City's neighborhoods that strengthens their ability to secure full-time employment and meet long-range career goals in the future.
The Institute has been developing this program over a 10 year period. In 2002, we established an ongoing partnership with Arbor, E&T, that enables us to concentrate on building a citywide network of community service jobs, while Arbor handles case management, wraparound services, and job development. In our most recent program year in partnership with Arbor, 62% of the participants found unsubsidized jobs paying at least $7.00/hour. The wraparound services that Arbor, E&T provides enhances significantly the recipients' chances of finding good paying jobs consistent with their long-term goals.

How does PhillyCorps differ from workfare?
Evaluators of workfare programs report that participants often fail to show up for work and that their jobs often provide no skills training that can help them secure full time employment. PhillyCorps has overcome all of these obstacles. By concentrating on quality placement, case management, and on-the-job skills and work habits training, we have been able succeed where other programs have failed.

PhillyCorps provides:
Careful evaluation and placement. Each participant is evaluated for skills and aspirations. All agencies in our community service network commit to providing on-the-job training and considering interns for paid positions if available. We carefully match intern to placement slot.
Support for agencies and interns to ensure that the internship experience is a success. Case managers work with both site supervisors and interns to ensure that participants fulfill community service activities and work in positions which maximize their skills and interests.

Job readiness and career preparation training. Unlike standard job readiness models, PhillyCorps provides on-the-job training in office skills, including the use of computer software and the Internet, along with help in typing and data entry. We work with the Center for Literacy to provide workplace literacy training for interns who require this additional support.
Regional Job Development. PhillyCorps benefits from the Job Development services of Arbor, E&T

Links to formal social service networks referrals to government and private programs in order reduce barriers to long-term self-sufficiency. PhillyCorps stresses lifelong learning by helping participants develop short and long range goals, and supporting them in juggling work, family and training

A strong and qualified workforce makes for a better and stronger community.