The faces of the people who come through our doors today are younger than in the past. The average age of a participant today is 34 years old. According to a 2004 assessment test given to our program participants, 48% fall into the category of needing an adult basic skills program which means that they tested below an 8th grade level, 31% are in need of the high school diploma program, and 21% tested at a college level and are ready for the Consumer Economics and Life Skills training.
The aim for the Educational Training Program is that it will become a springboard from which individuals can discover their potential. We believe that all men, regardless of past education, can and need to spend time developing skills that will propel them in a positive direction, giving them the necessary tools to become contributing, self-sufficient members of society.
The Educational Training Program is goal-oriented and works in conjunction with the Mission level changes (Intake, levels one through five, and transition).
Level 1-Intake (0-60 days)
Our LAUSD teacher gives participants, upon entering the Mission, an assessment test to determine grade level. An assessment is done that defines participants' goals. These goals may fall into three categories: GED, vocational or practical. Based on the results of the assessment tests and the participants' goals a curriculum is determined. Upon completion of the necessary tasks, an individual is ready to move to the next level.
Level 2 (30-120 days)
At this level participants are enrolled in appropriate curriculum and learning new skills. They will also test regularly to show that they have a working knowledge of the curriculum, in order to advance to the next level in the program.
Level 3 (90-210 days)
At this level the participants are honing their skills. Basic computer courses, consumer economics and general clerical studies may be incorporated to prepare them for the next level and for job readiness. Paying jobs at the Mission are available at this time. However, it must be understood that in order to receive a paying job at the Mission, each eligible participant will have to have completed level two in the program and meet the goals of the Educational Training Program.
Level 4 (180-300 days)
By the time participants reach this level, they should have mastered previous tasks and should be ready to take job readiness courses such as interview and résumé writing workshops. Participants should also be ready to take advantage of our partnerships with employers and employment centers such as Chrysalis. These partnerships will allow participants to look for outside employment in fields they are interested in.
Level 5-Transition (270-365 days)
The classes available at this level are practical in application, such as those in savings and debt management. Relapse prevention classes and courses that stress the importance of maintaining and staying connected to the community are also critical. Participants at this level may also give back what they have learned through seminars to new participants in the program.
For more information contact Orlando Ward at 213.624.9258 Ext. 1237 or oward@midnightmission.org