On Friday, the partners behind the The Spot: Young Adult Opportunity Campus celebrated the program’s first class of graduates at a ceremony at the Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center in west Louisville. Family, friends, and city leaders were also in attendance to support the graduates.
A partnership of KentuckianaWorks and Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, The Spot offers young adults ages 16-24 in Louisville and surrounding regional counties free tools and support to restore their connection to education and/or employment that was once severed by barriers in their lives, such as homelessness, substance abuse, involvement in the justice system and more.
You can see photos from the event below.
“Congratulations graduates...the fact that you’re here right now, looking ahead and planning your future, demonstrates that you’ve got the motivation and the resilience you need to be successful.”
The ceremony honored all graduates of The Spot’s curricula, known as “Thrive”. In order to qualify for graduation, students were required to complete a series of work-ready employment workshops: orientation, the Soft Skills Academy (eight-hour course), GoodStart (20 hours) and the Young Adult Reintegrating Individuals Successfully Every Day (RISE) program (25 hours). Students receive $50, $100 and $150 stipends, respectfully, for completing each program.
Training includes self-presentation, resume writing, communication skills, mock interviewing, team building, conflict resolution, digital and financial literacy, career pathways, personal branding, certifications and so much more to help individuals integrate into the workforce. These programs set the foundation for students to narrow down their education and/or employment goals while working with a career coach to remove barriers.
“We are thrilled with the number of young adults The Spot was able to serve in its first year,” said Executive Director of KentuckianaWorks Michael Gritton. “Many young adults in our community are facing major obstacles in their lives. The team at The Spot is changing the lives of young people, helping them overcome barriers and get on track to a quality career or finishing school.”
In addition to its employment programs, The Spot also offers assistance with behavioral and mental health, substance abuse, spiritual health, wellness, legal aid, housing, transportation, occupational training and family reunification.
To date, more than 700 young adults have been assisted with barrier reduction through the programs and services provided at The Spot. Two-hundred and thirty-seven individuals have completed all workshops to qualify for graduation. The Spot has guided 230 to attain credentials, 133 to gain employment and 17 to earn their GED. It has served 125 unhoused young adults.
“The great partnership between KentuckianaWorks and Goodwill Industries of Kentucky allows The Spot to give young adults a safe place to dream again,” said Goodwill Industries of Kentucky Director of Young Adult Services Rosell Hamilton. “Students, with the assistance of their career coach and facilitator, establish their careers, education and life goals. We are fortunate to be a part of their journey and wish each of our graduates continued success.”
The Spot serves clients ages 16-24 from Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer and Trimble counties through four different locations in downtown Louisville, West Louisville, Bullitt and Henry counties. It is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Labor, Louisville Metro Government, and private funders. Click here for a complete list of funding.
To learn more about The Spot or for contact information, visit thespotky.org.
