Empowering Youth for a Brighter Future
Join the C.O.T.Y. program to gain essential skills and training for a successful career after graduation.
About C.O.T.Y.
The Career Opportunity Training for Youth (C.O.T.Y.) program is a federally funded initiative through the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, designed to support Columbia Public School students in grades 9-12. Our mission is to provide work experience opportunities that equip students with the skills and training necessary for their future careers. By focusing on overcoming barriers to success, C.O.T.Y. aims to prepare youth for the workforce, fostering responsibility, accountability, and self-sufficiency.
Eligibility Criteria
The C.O.T.Y. program is open to high school students in grades 9-12, with a special emphasis on 11th and 12th graders who face significant barriers. Eligible students may include those who are high school dropouts, basic skills deficient, pregnant or parenting, homeless or runaway, in or aged out of foster care, offenders, individuals with disabilities, or English language learners. Our goal is to help these students overcome obstacles and achieve success in their future careers.
By participating in C.O.T.Y., students gain access to work readiness training, paid work experience, job skills training, career planning, job retention support, resume building, and more. Join us to take the first step towards a promising career.
Barriers to Overcome
High School Dropout
Basic Skills Deficient
Pregnant or Parenting
Homelessness or Runaway
In or Aged Out of Foster Care
Offender
Disability
English Language Learner
Lack of Work Experience
Financial Hardship
Limited Access to Resources
Mental Health Challenges
Substance Abuse Issues
Family Responsibilities
Transportation Issues
Lack of Career Guidance
Social Barriers
Health Issues
Our Services
Work Readiness
Our program equips students with essential skills to enter the workforce confidently, including resume building and interview preparation.
Paid Work Experience
Students can earn while they learn with 320 hours of paid work experience at $15 per hour, providing real-world job exposure.
Job Skills Training
We offer comprehensive training in various job skills to ensure students are prepared for diverse career opportunities.
Contact Us Today to Get Started
Phone
(573) 257-7678
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Tune into the podcast
The Workforce Link Podcast with Sundi Jo Graham
The Workforce Link Podcast offers forward thinking conversations for the workforce, linking employers and job seekers to a brighter tomorrow.
Hosted by Sundi Jo Graham from the Central Workforce Development Board, The Workforce Link covers job searching, resume and interview tips, leadership, personal development, and features interviews with industry leaders from the private and public sectors.
Episode 72: Find The Work You’re Wired To Do with Ken Coleman
This podcast with Ken Coleman explores his book “Find the Work You’re Wired to Do”. Learn how to assess your strengths and find a career you’ll love.
Contact Us
1107 Kingshighway, Rolla, MO 65401
(573) 426-6030
sundijo@cwdregion.com
In accordance with 29 CFR 38.9 (g)(3), Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals will receive language assistance in all communications of vital information.
EO Officer - Korin Ell
Click here to contact.
Central Region Workforce Development Board, Inc. and COPIC are equal opportunity employers/programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Missouri Relay Services at 711. If needed, call M. Korin Thurman 573-426-6030 ext. 2 for assistance in the translation and understanding of the information in the document(s) you have received. Si necesita asistencia para traducir y entender la información contenida en el documento(s) que recibió, llame al M. Korin Thurman 573-426-6030 ext.2.