West Plains, MO, October 15, 2024 – The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) is proud to announce that Connected Lane County has been named the 2024 Youth Program of the Year. Connected Lane County, which services Lane County, Oregon, will be recognized at the 25th Annual NAWDP Youth Symposium on November 18 in Phoenix, AZ.
“The Youth Program of the Year award honors innovative workforce initiatives that support young people in achieving their full potential while setting career goals and excelling academically,” said Melissa Robbins, NAWDP CEO. “Connected Lane County, with their multiple offerings that meet a variety of needs, are championing young people in the workforce daily.”
Connected Lane County gives youth tools to aid them in seeing the value of their decisions. By breaking barriers, building bridges, and creating strategic partnerships, Connected Lane County enables youth to set and achieve career goals and attain the education necessary for their goals. With four programs offered, Connected Lane County is passionate about seeing youth succeed.
The four innovative programs—Elevate, Navigate, Spark, and Excelerators—are dedicated to empowering and preparing youth for successful futures. Elevate connects students with industry partners through internships and job shadowing, fostering essential skills for high-wage careers while strengthening the regional economy. Navigate supports young individuals aged 14-24 facing barriers like homelessness by pairing them with Resource Navigators for personalized assistance in education, employment, and financial literacy. Spark encourages creativity and hands-on learning through out-of-school experiences, providing safe spaces for youth to explore STEM and develop problem-solving skills. Finally, Excelerators focuses on preparing young people for work with accelerated education and training in growing industries, offering certifications and practical experience in fields like manufacturing, health, and tech, with a culinary program launching in 2025.
Heidi Larwick, Executive Director of Connected Lane County, said: “This award is a testament to the dedication and passion of our team. Our staff works tirelessly to provide opportunities for the youth of Lane County, and I’m incredibly proud of their impact. This recognition belongs to every person who has contributed to our mission and believed in the power of creating change through access and opportunities for young people to thrive.”
About Connected Lane County
Connected Lane County equips youth with the tools to help them gain confidence in their abilities and see value in their decisions by breaking down barriers, building bridges, and creating strategic partnerships to connect you with education and employment pathways to transform their future potential. Connected Lane County’s work includes key programs—Elevate, Navigate, Spark, and Excelerators—and services over 3,000 youth annually. To learn more, visit connectedlane.org.
