Vocational Training for Youth at Risk

Paper Summary:

This paper deals primarily with vocational education and mentoring as it pertains to the Duval County school system, and discusses some of the problems that many individuals face when they do not get the education that they need to move into a proper career. The first chapter examines the statement of the problem and provides detail about why a study of this nature is necessary. It also discusses the research objectives that were created by the researcher and ensures that there is a thorough understanding of what will be studied.
In chapter two, the literature on the subject is reviewed. Since there is not enough literature to provide a comprehensive account of vocational education when it comes to Duval County, other areas of vocational education and mentoring education are also examined. The goal is to show that vocational education is something that can affect students in all school districts and in many different circumstances. The third chapter deals with the methodology of the issue and how the study itself was conducted. The type of data collected, as well as where it came from and how it is analyzed are all important issues discussed in Chapter Three. Chapter Three also provides a strong lead-in for Chapter Four, where the data that was collected is actually analyzed. This analysis is at the heart of the study, and the objectives that were created in Chapter One are dealt with again in light of the information collected. In the last chapter, the information is summarized and conclusions are drawn about the issue. The recommendations for future research into the area of vocational education and Duval County are also provided.

Outline:
Executive Summary
Vocational Programs for At-Risk Youth:
The Case of Duval County
Statement of the Problem
Background of the Problem -- Duval County School
Background of the Problem -- Duval County Department of Juvenile Justice
Research Objectives
Chapter II -- Literature Review
Minority and At-Risk Graduation Rates
Mentoring At-Risk Youth
Characteristics of Vocational Education
Chapter IV -- Data Analysis
Chapter V -- Summary and Recommendations
Summary
Recommendations
Conclusions
Appendix

From the Paper:

"As Duval County continues to grow and change, one major concern is the development of the county's youth. Today, youth are faced with tremendous challenges. Many of these challenges include: drugs and alcohol, violence, impoverish living conditions, and poor educational system. In addition, many youth face the future unprepared for the advancing workforce. Youth are left feeling helpless, undereducated, hopeless, and a sense of underachievement. Sadly, this has become the reality of our society and for our youth. Vocational training program has become a better way of equipping our youth for today's workforce. Studies suggested that despite a well developed educational system and multiple programs for at risk youth, Duval County School District still has a dropout rate higher than that of other districts and numerous socio-demographic factors that are impacting students' achievement (COJ, 2003). Despite being the sixth largest school district in the area, Duval faces many unique challenges that educators and state officials are attempting to overcome. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• 2000 for 2000: Michigan's Mentoring Initiative, a Mentoring Program For At-Risk Youth Launched in Michigan. (2000). PR Newswire. http://www.michiganprosecutor.org/mentor/press.htm
• Alessandri, M. (2002). The effects of a mentoring program on at-risk youth. Adolescence. Retrieved May 13, 2006 from http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2248/is_148_37/ai_97723209
• Allen, H.A. (1996). Learning and caring communities: meeting the challenge of at-risk youth. (Special Section: Young Adolescents At Risk). The Clearing House, 69(4), 214-216.
• Allsopp, D.H., Santos, K.E., & Linn, R. (2000). Collaborating to teach prosocial skills. Intervention in School & Clinic, 35(3), 141-146.
• Ammons, D. (1999, March 1). Big-ticket issues are on track, political leaders say. The Columbian, pp. B7.

More papers on Vocational Training for Youth at Risk:

• Essay # 62003 : "Youth At Risk and Juvenile Crime"
• Essay # 60804 : "At-Risk Students"
• Research Paper # 75501 : "Vocational Training Needs in Duval County"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: