Youth Advisory Group Background
The YAG was initiated and is supported by WorkSource, the Greater Austin Area Workforce Board, under the auspices of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Even though WIA is a workforce law, it recognizes the importance of youth development beyond career awareness and preparation.
The YAG was kicked off
by a Youth Issues Forum held in May 2003, where a group of more than 20 organizations identified a common vision and priorities for improving support for young people in our community and decided to continue meeting as a Youth Advisory Group. In December 2003, the YAG agreed to serve as the Go To
group and planning body for Youth Issues of the Community Action Network (CAN), a key organizational partner since the YAG's inception.
Since then, the YAG has been focused on engaging youth and seeking their input, and working with educators, service providers, and other partners to facilitate:
- Mapping the services and resources committed to youth development;
- Identifying gaps in critical services;
- Leveraging, aligning, and seeking resources to address the gaps;
- Sharing information on effective practices;
- Collecting and sharing data on community needs and effectiveness (including the Return On Investment to taxpayers and other potential funders); and ultimately,
- Helping more youth to be successful in school and the transition to postsecondary education, work, and civic engagement.
Access past meeting notes and background information in the Youth Issues section of the Community Action Network's website
Contact: Yael Trevino, WorkSource-Greater Austin Area Workforce Board, at (512) 597-7108 or yael.trevino@twc.state.tx.us if you need additional information.