The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) and Columbia Public Schools have partnered to launch a new program aimed at helping students identify career pathways and the training needed to be successful in their chosen career. As part of the program, called the Career Opportunity Training for Youth, MDHEWD will help students, teachers, counselors, and others understand what workforce skills are needed now and in the future.

The Career Opportunity Training for Youth (COTY) program will also assist high school students enrolled in the Columbia Public School district with finding a successful career pathway while encouraging personal accountability and self-sufficiency. Students eligible for the program will be offered work readiness training, paid work experience opportunities, job skill training, career planning assistance, resume building, and more.

As students explore career options, MDHEWD will help ensure that participants have access to career pathway opportunities. The department will also provide participants with general information to help them decide what path may work best for them, including education requirements, labor market information, training, and support services needed to succeed in Missouri's workforce.

"Missouri employers are globally competitive, and they demand a globally competitive skilled workforce," said Julie Carter, Director of the Office of Workforce Development. "This partnership is a great way to respond to employer demands while also investing in our youth, as they are the future of our workforce and will be essential to continue to grow Missouri's economy. We are hopeful that participants will get the information and the tools they need to identify career pathways that align with their goals, ultimately leading to successful jobs with benefits and family-sustaining wages."

"Workforce development is a priority for Columbia Public Schools," said Brian Yearwood, Superintendent of CPS. "The district has invested in programs and staffing to enhance and support the success of our scholars entering the workforce. We want every scholar to graduate college-, career-, and life-ready."

More information about the Career Opportunity Training for Youth program can be found at cwdregion.com/coty/. If you are a parent or a student enrolled with the Columbia Public School district and want to learn more, contact David "DJ" Johnson at [email protected] or 573-257-7678.