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12 <br /> Based at UNC, the NC Scholars Latino Initiative is a comprehensive leadership development and college <br /> preparatory program for first- and second-generation immigrant students in North Carolina's public <br /> education system. <br /> Rising sophomores from participating high schools apply to become Sli Scholars. Beginning their <br /> sophomore year, Scholars participate in a 3-year program that helps explore and grow their cultural, <br /> college-going, and leadership identity. Throughout the program, they engage with their own personal <br /> development as well learn the "nuts and bolts" about the college admissions process. Ultimately, Sli <br /> Scholars engage in a transformative experience that reframes how they think about themselves and the <br /> world. <br /> Prioril:y C All Youth Out Or Sc:::hool Are Errploy::ed <br /> Ensure that youth out of school have access to jobs that provide a livable wage. <br /> Strategy 1. Refine NCWorks Online job matching system and ensure its usability and access to employers <br /> and job-seeking youth. <br /> NCWorks Online is a one-stop online resource for job seekers and employers in North Carolina. Job <br /> seekers can search for jobs, create resumes, and find education and training. Employers can find <br /> candidates, post jobs, and search labor market information. <br /> Strategy 2. Increase annually the number of employers who adopt 'ban the box'practices. <br /> There are over 1.6 million people in N.C. with a criminal record.The prison population has risen to about <br /> 40,000. 98%will eventually be released. 50%of ex-offenders are sent back to prison for new crimes. <br /> Nearly 45%of those under Department of Correction supervision are African American; this disparity is a <br /> significant challenge to communities of color. As of September, 2010 there were nearly 4,000 people in <br /> Orange County County on probation or parole; add to this the thousands who have criminal records but <br /> are not under the supervision of the Department of Correction. <br /> These statistics demonstrate the tremendous number of people who face employment barriers as they <br /> seek honest, legal employment. <br /> "Ban the Box" practices would remove questions from the application inquiring about criminal history at <br /> the initial stage of the employment process so that those who are responsible for making hiring decisions <br /> first get an opportunity to learn about the candidate's experience, skills and personality as they relate to <br /> the position to be filled. <br /> Guiding Fr .rrnee or< .... O'ac:ial and D', 1.: lnIe::: D, quity .e. Soe:Ia Ine" usion <br /> Ensure that Orange County employers work toward creating racially and ethnically equitable <br /> organizations to decrease disparities and disproportionality over time. <br /> Strategy 1. Provide ongoing Racial Equity Training to Orange County employers and youth. <br /> Even 50 years after significant civil rights' gains,the impact of race continues to shape the outcomes of all <br /> institutions. Helping individuals and organizations develop tools and processes to challenge patters of <br /> institutional power and grow institutional equity will provide the scaffolding for long-term, sustainable <br /> improved outcomes for all populations in Orange County. <br /> 10 <br />