The Zones for Youth
Located in Minnesota WorkForce Centers (WFCs), the Zone is a physical space where youth with disabilities can become skilled job-seekers by getting labor market information, learning about related training and educational opportunities, connecting with community resources and practice their job-seeking skills.
This program was first developed with the support of the Dakota-Scott Youth Council under the auspices of the Dakota County WorkForce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Employment Program and was in operation at the West St. Paul, Shakopee and Burnsville WorkForce Centers. With support from Pathways to Employment, the program model was replicated and implemented by Disability Program Navigators who are responsible for making WorkForce Centers (WFCs) more accessible for people with disabilities.
The program was expanded by establishing innovative collaborations to conduct community outreach and provide programming for youth and young adults with disabilities. New Zones were added to Rochester, Winona, Duluth, St. Cloud, South Minneapolis and Bloomington Workforce Centers. These Zones serve all youth, and provide specific, innovative programming for youth and young adults with disabilities.
For more information about The Zone for Youth: