Alabama Youth Entrepreneurial Initiatives and Workforce Development

The objectives of this program area are to provide youth and young adults exposure to a variety of entrepreneurial curriculums, programs, and models; allow participants to examine on-going programs and curricula that emphasize entrepreneurial education and encourage partnering with local businesses to enhance entrepreneurial and jobs skills development; and engage participants in experiential "hands-on learning," and explore the development of entrepreneurship education. Sub-program areas include 4-H and youth development, workforce (job skills) development, collegiate and other youth entrepreneurial initiatives, children, youth and families at risk.

4-H and Youth Development

The program will create opportunities that would enhance and engage the youth in learning activities and events that foster their skills and competencies; enable them build positive relationships with caring adults; help them identify and make informed choices to contribute to their community; and have multi-cultural experiences.

Goals and Objectives

The overall goal of the Youth Development Program is to provide the youth in the Black Belt area the tools needed to lead healthy, satisfying and productive lives where they contribute to their community as youth and later as adults. Specific program objectives are to

1. Develop life skills through opportunities that:
   • Teach interaction and coping skills
   • Teach decision-making skills
   • Sharpen communication skills
   • Teach leadership skills
   • Encourage critical thinking
   • Develop self-confidence
   • Enhance the individual's self-esteem
2. Provide experiences that allow youth to acquire knowledge and apply knowledge gained in everyday life experiences
3. Develop leadership (both adults and youth) for the first two objectives to effectively occur.

For more on the Tuskegee University 4-H Youth Program Click here.

Contact:
Prosper Doamekpor, Ph.D, state youth development specialist
Cooperative Extension Program
209 Morrison-Mayberry Building
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL 36088
Telephone:  334-724-4406 
Email: doamekpor@mytu.tuskegee.edu

Workforce Development

This project is a partnership between Ford Motor Company and the Tuskegee University Continuing Education Program to deliver the dynamic, interdisciplinary, inquiry- and project-based Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies (Ford PAS) Curriculum and Program to area high school students.

Goals and Objectives:

The primary goal of the project-based learning curriculum is to hone and refine students' skills in the areas of critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork/consensus building, time management, communication, research and technology. The specific objectives are: 

1. To give students the necessary 21st century skills to prepare them for academia
2. To prepare students for the world of work for the 21st century
3. To prepare students to be productive global citizens
4. To encourage and model lifelong learning

Contact:

Kim R. Ortiz, Ed.S, associate director
Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies (Ford PAS)
Tuskegee University Continuing Education Program
1 Booker T. Washington Blvd.
Kellogg Conference Center
Tuskegee, AL 36088
Telephone:  334-724-4317  
Email: ortizk@mytu.tuskegee.edu

Youth  Entrepreneurial Initiative

This Workforce Development Initiative can be viewed as a first step in preparing both at-risk youth and adults for participation in Alabama's workforce and for self-employment. The program uses the Kauffman Foundation Mini-Society curriculum at the middle school level to teach entrepreneurship concepts within the context of traditional subjects such as math, science, social studies, and language. It also uses the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship curriculum for both high school and collegiate levels. Currently, the project is being considered for implementation at all 1890 land-grant universities and by the Southern Region Planning Leadership Network.

Goals and Objectives:

The initiative can be viewed as an effort to respond to Alabama's future workforce needs by preparing future entrepreneurs. The specific objectives are as follows:

1. To provide youths and adults exposure to a variety of entrepreneurial curriculums, programs and models

2. To allow participants to examine on-going programs and curricula that emphasizes entrepreneurial education and encourages partnering with local businesses to enhance entrepreneurial skills

3. To engage participants in "hands-on learning" activities related to exploring entrepreneurship education thus expanding their knowledge of entrepreneurial career options and entrepreneurial leadership skills

4. To explore the development of entrepreneurship education and its impact on economic development as well as its interaction with workforce development 

Contact:

Nickey Jefferson, Ph.D  
Morrison-Mayberry Hall
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL 36088
Phone:  334-727-1586 
Email: nljefferson@mytu.tuskegee.edu