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The Cognitive Connection

Clay, Wilson & Associates

The SMART Program

Students Making A Right Turn

We are targeting youth who are prison/jail inmates returning to their community after release, foster care youth aging out of DSS custody/care, high school drop-outs, and high school graduates who are having a difficult time obtaining and/or maintaining employment.  All services provided are free to the participants.  In addition to the regular WIA OSY allotment, we will also use ARRA grant funds for paid student work experiences for the coming year.

 

The program consists of the following components:

1. 4 weeks of training from 9 AM to 4 PM Monday through Thursday.  The training consists of 60 hours of Reasoning & ReActing Cognitive Skills Training Program, 24 hours of Living on Your Own Life Skills Training Program, and ABE or GED classes for participants who do not have a high school diploma.  All classes will be offered on site at our Conover Center.  Transportation is provided to and from the training site if needed.

2. Individual career counseling and referral to required educational and/or training programs that will lead to employment in the participant’s chosen field.  Assistance in obtaining financial aid to help pay for the vocational training they require.

3. Information, referral and advocacy to other needed services such as substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, housing, etc.

4. Job development and placement, including opportunities for paid work experiences, on the job training and apprenticeship programs.

Case management and follow-up for 12 months once the participant has completed training.

 

This program deals with motivational impediments and negative attitudes about education and employment that are often found in the population we are targeting.  The skills they learn in the program spill-over everywhere in the participant’s lives -improving family, community and health situations, thus reducing the use of other support services.  Participants learn to take responsibility for their own growth and development.

 

 

For more information Contact:

THE COGNITIVE CONNECTION – SMART PROGRAM

4431 COUNTY HOME RD,

CONOVER, NC 28613

Phone: 828-256-3436

Fax: 828-256-3623

The SMART Program Provides:

 

GED EDUCATION - LIFE SKILLS - LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

WORK READINESS SKILLS - WORK EXPERIENCES

JOB REFERRAL/PLACEMENT - TRANSPORTATION

COMMUNITY REFERRALS - CASE MANAGEMENT

 

Since 2001 we have received funding from the local Workforce Development Board to provide an intensive training, job development and case management program for up to 150 older youth ages 16-21 in Catawba, Caldwell, Burke and Alexander Counties each year.  In order to be eligible for the program, participants must be low income, out of school, able to work and unemployed or under-employed.