Youth Employment Opportunity Program
The Youth Employment Opportunity Program (YEOP) helps at-risk youth between the ages of 15 and 25, achieve their educational and vocational goals through a variety of specialized services. YEOP specialists are peer advisors with similar experiences who work with youth as mentors and career coaches. They can provide referrals to supportive services, career coaching, employment preparation, and training.
Access YEOP Services
The YEOP specialists help youth achieve their goals through a variety of services:
- Peer advising allows youth to interact with professionals who have similar life experiences, identify their occupational interests, and develop career goals.
- Referrals to supportive services based on the individual needs of youth. This can include transportation, childcare, housing assistance, and clothing community resources.
- Education and career coaching with youth specialists. Clients will receive one-on-one guidance on educational and vocational opportunities.
- Employment preparation and assistance through job search tools including resume and interview preparation, employer expectations, and customized job searches. Note: This is not a job placement or summer youth work experience program.
- YEOP Workshops prepare students with team building and communication skills to help them through the hiring process. Workshop topics include resume writing, mock interviews, computer literacy, completing job applications, and more.
- Referral to training providers including Regional Occupational Programs, General Educational Development Test centers with the purpose of receiving their High School Diploma or California High School Equivalency Certificate, and post-secondary education.
Eligible youth include people ages 15 to 25, who are at-risk of not achieving their educational goals in high school or college. Youth who are any of the following may also be eligible:
- Youth offenders
- Teen parents
- Foster or homeless youth
- Gang member or associated gang member
- Member of a minority group
- Economically disadvantaged
- Youth with a disability or low literacy skills
If you are a youth who doesn’t meet this criteria, you may still be eligible for YEOP services. Youth should contact their nearest America’s Job Center of California to ask about other youth services available.
To contact a YEOP Specialist in your area, visit YEOP Contact Information.
Workforce Services
Find Jobs and Training for You
Access Employment Services
America’s Job Center of CaliforniaSM (AJCC) connects employers with job openings and qualified job seekers together at no cost.
CalJOBS
CalJOBS is the State of California’s online job search system. Create an account, log in and find a variety of online services offered for both employers and job seekers.
Additional Resources
Can’t find what you are looking for? View these resources for more information.