Transformative mentoring, utilizing the Arches model, is provided to youth and young adults, ages 13-24, living in neighborhoods that put them at risk of systems involvement. The Arches model deploys “credible messengers” as mentors. Credible messengers are individuals who have successfully navigated various systems: the criminal legal system; homelessness; foster care; and public housing. A structured, evidence-based cognitive behavioral framework is utilized in groups. Additionally, one on one mentoring and case management are provided for participants. (A qualitative and impact evaluation of the Arches model was conducted by the Urban Institute. It found that Arches participants, those involved in the criminal legal system, were significantly less likely to be arrested and convicted of a crime. Additionally, younger participants seemed to benefit the most from being paired with a mentor, who is available 24/7.)
Career readiness, job placement and internships are provided for participants engaged in services with Wildcat. The Fedcap Group’s trademarked job-readiness curriculum for youth and young adults, Get Ready!, is utilized to prepare participants for success in both the employment and educational environments. Some of its most popular modules include personal branding; resilience; up the ladder (career advancement); creating networks of support; and post-secondary pathways. Additionally, participants are engaged in Community Benefit Projects.
The Fedcap Group partners with businesses, governments, schools and non-profit agencies to develop High Impact Internships so individuals can advance along their career paths. Securing an internship can be difficult for young people. Quality internships provide young people with the opportunity to make connections, develop skills and explore career options. Through a ten-week
internship, a young person will learn how to be an effective employee. They will come to appreciate that it will make a difference—for themselves and for the organization—if they show up on time, arrive prepared, work cooperatively with other employees and invest in learning about their chosen profession from the ground up. The sponsoring organization will enjoy having an eager worker, a dedicated staff-support for that intern and the satisfaction that it is preparing a qualified workforce for the future.
For program participants interested in going to college, we encourage their parents/caregivers to enroll in PrepNOW!™ – our web-based curriculum to assist caregivers in preparing young people to graduate from high school, enter college and graduate.
