EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION SUPPORT
Empowering Youth Towards Independence and Thriving
Navigating Housing Challenges with Education and Employment
We recognize that for youth facing homelessness or housing insecurity, the road to independence and prosperity begins with access to education and employment opportunities.
At NWYS, our Employment & Education (E&E) services go beyond conventional support. We offer personalized assistance either in person or through remote channels, guiding youth to explore, identify, and ultimately achieve their goals in education and employment.
E&E is committed to connecting youth with community resources, ensuring they have the tools to forge their own paths. While we are not currently accepting volunteers, we encourage you to stay tuned for future developments as we continue to evolve and expand our impact.
Join us in creating a future where every young person has the resources and support needed to thrive independently.
E&E is not accepting volunteers at this time, but please stay tuned for further developments.
CONTACT
Barry
Whatcom Education & Employment Coordinator
M/T/W (10a-3p)
F (10a-12p)
Call or Text
For education goals this can include
-
Education consultation and planning
-
Connections to Whatcom or Skagit County school districts
-
Referrals to GED/HS Diploma or secondary programs in Whatcom (Bellingham Technical College, Whatcom Community College,) or Skagit (Skagit Valley College, Job Corps)
1:1 Support
In both Whatcom and Skagit counties, youth are able to connect 1:1 in person or remotely with an education and employment coordinator to build a plan that focuses on their individual goals.
For employment goals this can include:
-
Resume building and cover letter writing
-
Individual job search and strategies
-
Interview preparation and resources
-
Paid training opportunities (see Youth Jobs, below)
-
Conviction history support (Whatcom Community College Conviction History Support, Appleseed Reentry Guide, Primeweld Guide to Trade Careers for the Formerly Incarcerated)
-
Community resource referrals in Whatcom (Worksource, Goodwill) or Skagit (Goodwill)
Youth Jobs (Whatcom)
Through our County-funded Youth Jobs service, youth are matched with an employer in the community where they apply and interview for short-term (1-3 months) paid job training opportunities. Youth wages are subsidized by Northwest Youth Services (100% @ current WA minimum wage). During the training period, the NWYS employment coordinator remains in communication with the site supervisor as needed and continues to work with youth to use their current skills, experience, and references to secure long-term employment in the community.
NWYS is proud to work with our excellent local Youth Jobs partners:
-
Northwest Workforce Council/Worksource (WIOA-funded training)
-
with more being added as funding and opportunities develop.
If you are a local business or non-profit in Bellingham that is interested hiring a youth directly or learning more about participating in Youth Jobs please complete the form below or contact Barry MacHale, at (360) 746-4073 or barrym@nwys.org.