The Urban Youth Empowerment Program (UYEP) is a program designed to deliver workforce development services to the at-risk population in Knoxville and the surrounding area (Knox, Blount, and Anderson Counties) through the holistic approach of education, training, mentoring, work, counseling, and personal development.  Our partnership with local adult education programs, non-profit agencies, faith and community based organizations, post-secondary and vocational training institutions, and area employers will assist by establishing initial work environments as well as providing advocates and mentors to these individuals.

 

UYEP is a career preparation program for:

• 18-21 year old at-risk young adults and/or young adult offenders
  • At Risk young adults have one or more of the following barriers:  homeless, pregnant teen, single parent, live in an unstable neighborhood, reside in an unstable school district, low academic skills, low income family, high school dropout
• There are 45 slots open for young adults who need a second chance.  Recruiting is on-going and we are now accepting applications from high school drop-outs, high school graduates, and GED completers
• The UYEP is an open-ended and open-exit program where participants work at their own pace.

 

We, in conjunction with our partners, will deliver the academic, career exploration and personal development classes that are fundamentals to launching successful careers for these young adults. There are educational, life skills, work, and training/college components to the program.  The ultimate goal is for participants to receive a job, one on one counseling and mentorship through classes and other career development components that will assist them to:

• Become employed

• Enlist in the military

• Obtain a GED

• Or enroll in college/training

An able staff of counselor advocates will provide one-on-one services that enable the young adults to succeed at their goals. 

 

  Our participants will:

Find a good mentor

• Experience work through community service, paid internships, or apprenticeships
• Be assigned to a counselor advocate
• Have a customized career plan
• Earn a GED or increase basic reading and math skills
• Attend personalized housing, entrepreneurship, budgeting, dress for success and other classes
• Learn life skills
• Becoming gainfully employed

 

Contact the UYEP Program Staff at (865) 524-5511 to

• Sign up as a  UYEP Participant (must be 18-21 years old)
• Become a UYEP Mentor
• Refer a UYEP participant
• Volunteer as a community service site or an internship site
• Offer employment to a prepared participant