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Youths have a door to a future
By MELANIE AVE, Times Staff Writer TAMPA -- They are young people living in poor neighborhoods where the most lucrative opportunity often is drug dealing. But these youths -- Kelsha Blackella, Jennifer Williams and Edwin Colon -- are among hundreds hoping for a brighter career path. Blackella wants to become a nurse. Williams plans on going to college to become a forensic detective. And Colon is working to become a firefighter. All three are receiving job training through a federal Labor Department grant program known as Youth Opportunity, or Yo! Two years ago, Tampa was one of 36 sites -- and the only one in Florida -- to receive the five-year, $24-million grant aimed at helping young people in low-income neighborhoods. "We give them that opportunity to do what they want to do in life," said Dori Blanc, project manager with the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA. "A lot of kids have never had opportunities presented to them." So far, about 1,600 participants between the ages of 14 and 21 are involved through four youth centers that lure them in with pool tables and big screen televisions. Once inside, mentors work with them one-on-one and guide them toward their goals, whether it's a high school diploma, college or a job. "Youth development is the foundation for all of this," Blanc said. Thirteen youths recently completed certified nursing training. Another 13 finished fire rescue training. They are considered volunteer firefighters with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. Fire Rescue spokesman Ray Yeakley said the students could be offered jobs if they complete more advanced training and pass state exams. He said the county got involved in the program as a way to attract and train minority firefighters. "They will go into our hiring mix," he said. "It would be to our own advantage to hire our own people that we've trained." Last year, when he was a senior at Hillsborough High School, Colon said he was unsure about his career goals. "I was confused," said Colon, 18, whose family moved to the United States from Puerto Rico. Then he heard about the youth program where he could train to become a firefighter. In nine months, if he passes his state tests and completes emergency technician and advanced firefighter training, he may be offered a job. St. Joseph's education specialist Charlotte Young said the jobs are a first step on the way to becoming a nurse. Kelsha Blackella, 18, signed up for the nursing training program this summer. She has learned how to check vital signs, give baths and weigh patients. She works full-time, earning $9 an hour. She hopes to attend college and continue her training. "At first I thought it was really hard. I'd never done anything like that before," said Blackella. Youth Opportunity is a collaborative effort of the YMCA, Hillsborough County schools, the Tampa/Hillsborough Urban League, the Boys and Girls Club of Tampa Bay and the Hillsborough County Workforce Board. Blanc said she's unsure what will happen to the program or the youngsters once the funding ends in three years. "That's what we're working on now," she said.
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From the Times North of Tampa City Times - South Tampa |
