Newton recognizes YMCA Job Prep pilot program; seven students completed 12-week course

The Newton City Commission on May 13 recognized the YMCA Job Prep pilot program at the Newton YMCA and acknowledged seven graduates from the program.

Benjamin Meyer, who said he taught the course, told commissioners the 12-week program is for 15- to 17-year-old students and focuses on soft skills and employability. Meyer said the course begins with basics such as eye contact and handshakes and ends with a graded mock interview that students must pass with a 3.5 out of 5. He said the curriculum also includes CPR/AED and first-aid certification, resume building, budgeting and finance basics and other workplace skills.

Meyer said the Newton pilot was funded by YMCA board fundraising so students placed in summer jobs are paid by the YMCA; that arrangement eliminates employer salary costs for the summer placements. He said Wichita runs a larger program and this was a pilot year for Newton; the class included seven students, all female, who were being scheduled for employer interviews.

A student who spoke at the microphone said CPR was the most difficult skill to learn and that interview practice came easiest. Commissioners congratulated the students and requested a group photograph.

The recognition on the agenda was a presentation item rather than a formal action requiring a vote; commissioners offered praise for the program and Meyer said he hoped to expand enrollment and employer participation in future years.

Program details noted in the meeting: 12-week duration, typical weekly commitment two hours (some trainings longer), mock interview passing score 3.5 out of 5, YMCA board-paid summer wages for placed students, seven graduates in the Newton pilot.