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Youth Investment Council

Teen Handbook (.pdf)

Vision Statement: The vision of the Bergen County Youth Investment Council is to support the development of a youth service system in collaboration with the Bergen County Workforce Investment Board. This system will be sustained with the involvement of youth, business and community leaders to improve post-high school outcomes; assist youth to start careers with opportunities for high wages and career growth; improve the development of appropriate work-related behavior to increase identification and utilization of necessary support services; and increase opportunities for learning and applying leadership and citizenship skills in the community.

Mission Statement: The Bergen County Youth Council establishes and maintains a comprehensive coordinated youth service system to address all youth issues with an emphasis on low income youth who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out of school. The system is designed to match all youth with learning and career options and support services that enable them to prepare for successful careers and life as responsible citizens. 

The Bergen County Youth Investment Council has specific responsibility for preparing the youth section of Bergen's local plan. The Youth Investment Council sets clear policy direction in creating employment opportunities and career pathways for all youth, age 14-21 years, whether in or out of school. It oversees Bergen's service delivery system for young people; reviews policy; coordinates funding and services on behalf of Bergen's youth; and maximizes available resources in order to best benefit the youth population targeted by the WIA legislation. That population is defined as low income persons who are not less than age 14 and not more than age 21; and are either deficient in basic literacy skills; and/or school dropouts; and/or homeless, runaway, or foster children; and/or pregnant or parents; and/or offenders; and/or individuals requiring additional assistance to complete an educational program or to secure and hold employment. The Act provides that up to five percent of youth participants may be individuals who do not meet income criteria provided they meet one or more of the criteria specified as serious barriers to employment.