A core component of our work at the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) is connecting the youth we serve with community resources. The EOC has been fortunate to partner with Asotin County Community Services (ACCS) for many years, introducing young people to the world of work and helping them develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Through job readiness training and transition services, ACCS works alongside our EOC team to support and empower the youth and young adults of our community.
Cynthia Tierney, ACCS Director and County Coordinator, and her team including Program Manager Eric Boggan, play an integral role in this work. She works with students/customers to find a program that supports their goals and needs. The youth she serves are introduced to the world of work and are connected to training, workplace behavior expectations, paid internships, and other employment opportunities. Cynthia says that this kind of training helps ease their anxiety and builds confidence through role playing and preparation before stepping into a job. The ACCS team partners with local businesses to facilitate valuable paid work experience to give young people the chance to see if a particular job or industry is a good fit for them.
The job readiness and transition services offered through the partnership with ACCS are interwoven with the work led by our newest team member, EOC Career Navigator Tim Nelson. With the ACCS’ access to local businesses and the wealth of training resources available, the hope is for students and their families to recognize Clarkston’s EOC as a beacon of light and safe harbor that helps guide youth as they navigate their choices in work and life.