This Golden LEAF Opportunities for Work grant provided funding to Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) to establish an educational and support program that targeted disconnected young adults ages 18-24, including women with dependent children, the long-term unemployed, single parents, foster care participants, high school dropouts, court-referred individuals, and academically at-risk ECSU students. ECSU was expected to recruit participants in its 21-county service area in partnership with NCWorks, other local educational entities, public housing, and faith- and community-based organizations. Program elements included comprehensive supports and a short-term, on-campus residential experience where participants received academic and vocational assessments followed by educational remediation as needed, hands-on training, career counseling, industry tours, employer recruitment, and job placement. Golden LEAF funds were used for staffing, travel, marketing and outreach, participant training and wraparound services, and supplies and equipment.
