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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 & Jefferson City 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.

Are you an interested employer?

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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.

Need Help Hiring the Next Generation?

What is the Employer’s role?

Train the students in the necessary work skills, supervise them for 320 hours, treat them like any other employee, and offer constructive feedback to support their success.

How do I become a worksite?

Employers are required to complete and sign the Work Experience Training Plan, providing 320 hours of supervised work experience to students, while offering necessary training and work skills. As the student’s supervisor, employers will also be responsible for signing off on timesheets. The worksite agreement is valid for one year.

Employer Services

We pay for Work Experience (320 hours)

We cover hourly wages ($15/hr)

We cover workers compensation during training

Supportive Services available

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.

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.

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EO Officer - Korin Ell

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