1
Career Development Program Plan
Capella University
COUN 5279: Life Planning and Career Development
2
Abstract
This paper presents a job development program specifically designed for at-risk youth,
emphasizing its vital role in fostering positive outcomes for this demographic. The primary
objectives of the program are twofold: to mitigate risk factors and to enhance the life and
professional skills of participants. Targeted towards middle and high school students, this
initiative aims to serve a diverse array of young individuals from various social and ethnic
backgrounds. By engaging participants in a collaborative community project, the program seeks
to promote personal and collective growth, ultimately benefiting both the youth involved and
their surrounding communities.
, 3
Career Development Program Plan
In a society where opportunities frequently bypass those who are most in need, there is a
compelling necessity for targeted interventions that offer vital support to underprivileged and at-
risk youth within our communities. Acknowledging the specific challenges that these young
individuals encounter, this paper seeks to articulate a comprehensive and transformative Career
Development Program meticulously designed to address their unique requirements. This
initiative aspires not only to equip participants with essential skills and experiences but also to
provide the indispensable support and mentorship that can serve as a guiding light for those who
are navigating the complexities of adversity in their adult lives.
Diverse Population
At-risk youth – youth who are vulnerable to experiencing adverse outcomes as a result
of engaging in risk behaviors or experiencing risk factors (Salerno, 2023). As programs are
meant to provide systematic and preventive interventions to help people with anticipated needs
and challenges, they lend themselves to serve more people. The expected outcome of reaching
more people can be seen in the historical movement of career intervention in school settings
(Tang,2018). The youth of today are the adults of tomorrow, so society must do its part to ensure
they transition well into adulthood. Oftentimes negative life experiences lead students down a
rough road, so ensuring there are enough opportunities for children and teens to get positive
experiences can make all the difference (How Youth Programs Can Benefit At-Risk Youth | Penn
Foster, 2022).
In America, nearly 11 million children are poor. That’s 1 in 7 kids, who make up almost
one-third of all people living in poverty in this country (Haider, 2021). At-risk adolescents
increasingly require tailored programming to support them in navigating the critical transition
Career Development Program Plan
Capella University
COUN 5279: Life Planning and Career Development
2
Abstract
This paper presents a job development program specifically designed for at-risk youth,
emphasizing its vital role in fostering positive outcomes for this demographic. The primary
objectives of the program are twofold: to mitigate risk factors and to enhance the life and
professional skills of participants. Targeted towards middle and high school students, this
initiative aims to serve a diverse array of young individuals from various social and ethnic
backgrounds. By engaging participants in a collaborative community project, the program seeks
to promote personal and collective growth, ultimately benefiting both the youth involved and
their surrounding communities.
, 3
Career Development Program Plan
In a society where opportunities frequently bypass those who are most in need, there is a
compelling necessity for targeted interventions that offer vital support to underprivileged and at-
risk youth within our communities. Acknowledging the specific challenges that these young
individuals encounter, this paper seeks to articulate a comprehensive and transformative Career
Development Program meticulously designed to address their unique requirements. This
initiative aspires not only to equip participants with essential skills and experiences but also to
provide the indispensable support and mentorship that can serve as a guiding light for those who
are navigating the complexities of adversity in their adult lives.
Diverse Population
At-risk youth – youth who are vulnerable to experiencing adverse outcomes as a result
of engaging in risk behaviors or experiencing risk factors (Salerno, 2023). As programs are
meant to provide systematic and preventive interventions to help people with anticipated needs
and challenges, they lend themselves to serve more people. The expected outcome of reaching
more people can be seen in the historical movement of career intervention in school settings
(Tang,2018). The youth of today are the adults of tomorrow, so society must do its part to ensure
they transition well into adulthood. Oftentimes negative life experiences lead students down a
rough road, so ensuring there are enough opportunities for children and teens to get positive
experiences can make all the difference (How Youth Programs Can Benefit At-Risk Youth | Penn
Foster, 2022).
In America, nearly 11 million children are poor. That’s 1 in 7 kids, who make up almost
one-third of all people living in poverty in this country (Haider, 2021). At-risk adolescents
increasingly require tailored programming to support them in navigating the critical transition
