Opportunities for Youth Executive Director Named

Last year Opportunities for Youth (OFY) selected two organizations—the National Tri Caucus Board Development Association-AZ (NTCBDA-AZ) and Maricopa County Education Services Agency (MCESA)— to serve as the “Backbone,” charged with coordinating our shared efforts. 

The Board of Directors Chair, Deb Duvall, is pleased to announce that OFY Executive Committee has selected Ms. Tamela Franks to be the Executive Director of the Backbone.

Ms. Franks is relocating from St. Louis, Missouri, where she has been the CEO of Franks and Associates Consulting for the past ten years. Ms. Franks possesses a diverse skill set, including research, data management, fundraising, organizational and strategy development, program evaluation, coalition building, and community engagement. 

“Improving the life trajectory of youth is my passion therefore I am thrilled at being selected for this challenging position of assisting Maricopa County in addressing this urgent issue of reengaging youth," says Franks.  "I want to also thank Kristine Morris for her hard work as interim Executive Director."

Re-Engagement Center Opens

Maricopa County Workforce Development, a division of Maricopa County Human Services, is kicking off open enrollment for the Genesis Youth Program for Opportunity Youth.  

On January 11th, all four Genesis locations (Tempe Public Library, Mesa Public Library, Avondale Youth Center, and Peoria Youth Center) hosted an open enrollment for Opportunity Youth.  Youth can receive assistance in furthering their education and employment goals.  See flyers for locations, eligibility and services. 

Help spread the word about this terrific resource by downloading this flyer.

Opportunity Fair and Forum Connects Hundreds

More than 1,700 young people attended the first-ever Opportunity Fair & Forum in Phoenix/Maricopa County on October 30, 2015. They engaged in job interviews, access to career resources, resume development, and direct mentoring and coaching.

More than 500 immediate job offers were extended by the 25 coalition companies in attendance. Read a post-event letter from 100,000 Opportunities Initiative leadership and watch the video below to learn more about the day.

Thank you to all that worked to get the word out about this important opportunity!

Training to Work with Foster Youth

Over the past several years, Arizona State University has created a variety of supports and resources for a diverse population of students, designed to help them achieve their goals. As a service provider that works with foster youth, you are in a unique position to help this population pursue higher education and make their dream a reality.

This event aims to help you understand what life is like for ASU students who have experienced care, and give you the tools to inspire others with the knowledge that there are resources, support and people ready to help.

Conquering Barriers andBridging Success for ASU Foster Alumni

Thursday, February 11, 2016

8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Memorial Union Building 

Turquoise Room 220

Tempe Campus

Informational sessions will help you effectively guide foster youth as they pursue higher education. Topics will include admissions/transfer services, financial aid and scholarships, ASU housing, and Bridging Success—a program dedicated to opening opportunities for former foster youth.

Current ASU foster alumni will be in attendance to answer questions and provide their perspective on being a successful Sun Devil!

Lunch will be served. Parking will be provided. 

5 continuing education credits (CEUs)will be granted by the National Association of Social Workers.

Please note that seating is limited. All RSVPsreceived by January 31, 2016 will receive priority status.

We will accommodate as many attendees after that as possible.

Sponsored by University College andCollege of Public Service & Community Solutions