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.
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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
Central Region News
Osage County Maintains Certified Work Ready Community Status
Osage County has once again demonstrated its commitment to workforce excellence. County Clerk Brooke Dudenhoeffer recently accepted the Certified Work Ready Community award for Program Year 2025, recognizing the county’s ongoing investment in building a skilled, job-ready workforce.
CWDB Member Tamara Tateosian Appointed to Missouri State Workforce Development Board
Congratulations to CWDB member Tamara Tateosian, CEO of the Callaway Chamber of Commerce, on her appointment to the Missouri State Workforce Development Board — confirmed by the Missouri Senate on April 15, 2026.
When the Plan Changes: Building Adaptability Into Your Work
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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 82: Why Job Descriptions Are Scaring Away Good Candidates
Is your job description driving away top talent? In Episode 82 of The Workforce Link Podcast, we break down why job descriptions are quietly scaring away good candidates and six practical things you can do right now to fix them.
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
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