Vocational Training

Overview - Research has shown that academic and social achievement often serves as protective factors against drug and alcohol abuse. Inversely, those individuals who have low academic or social achievement are at high risk of developing a problem with drugs or alcohol. Over the past 50 years, thousands of individuals have begun new lives at Teen Challenge. With committed staff and effective and prevention and recovery programs, the Teen Challenge Learning Centers and vocational training programs are empowering individuals to become self-sufficient, provide for the needs of their families, and to become leaders in their communities, faith groups and occupations. The vocational training, learning center and GED completion program is one of several reasons why Teen Challenge has been and continues to be, so successful.

GED - Teen Challenge provides for those who have not completed their high school education. The educational program helps the students earn their GED. Additionally, Teen Challenge has a curriculum specifically designed to teach students more about God and who they are according to God. It is designed to cover approximately one year at the program.

Employment Preparation - Some topics covered in this class for Teen Challenge students are: Resume Writing, Interview Tips and Techniques, Goals and Action Plans, Job Search Skills, Professional Communications, and Problem Solving to name a few. The goal of the class is to prepare each student to be able to answer:

• "What style resume should I use?"
• "How should I answer that question if a potential employer asks it?"
• "What should I do to prepare for an interview?"

Thrift Store - The Teen Challenge Thrift Store located in the Los Angeles area is a great place for students to gain practical employment skills by assisting the store manager with merchandise sorting, pricing, cleaning, and counter sales.

Job Readiness and Financial Responsibilities - (Residential Program Class) - This class is designed to help students to learn the importance of job planning and preparation in today’s job market. This course takes individuals through the application process and an extensive resume workshop where the student will learn to create their own resume. The workshop will also show the student how to conduct themselves during an interview. This course also deals with financial responsibilities of everyday life. The students learn how to clear up their past credit history and learn how to live a lifestyle that is debt free.