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13 <br />Enriched career- oriented guidance <br />Through the OFF program, the County will build a stronger link between the <br />area's middle schools and community colleges. Currently, the needs of <br />college -bound student are better met than those students who seek vocational <br />training. Even if vocational information is provided, it is often too late for a <br />student who is already in high school. The OFF program will work closely <br />with the current technical preparation staff at the high schools to develop a <br />parallel program in the middle schools. <br />Involvement with families <br />Chances for success in school increase dramatically when a parent or family <br />member plays an active role in his or her child's education. Through the OFF <br />program, family members of participating OFF males will become more <br />involved with their children's education in meaningful ways. The OFF staff <br />will work with parent leaders who are active in the school systems to create <br />an environment that will encourage the participation of parents whose sons <br />are at -risk of dropping out of school. Concern for the survival needs of the <br />family will be taken into account, along with participation. It is difficult for <br />parents to participate in their child's education when they are unable to meet <br />the utility bill or put food on the table. <br />Peer support groups <br />Q:What help do you need from your friends to help you become successful? <br />A: I need complements." (younger male) <br />Positive peer pressure will play a critical role in the OFF Program. The <br />program coordinator will facilitate a peer support group for participants. <br />Natural Helpers, a peer support program of the Orange County Health <br />Department which attempts to give local minority high school students the <br />training they need to help advise their peers about sexual topics ranging from <br />anatomy to AIDS, is a current successful model in the county. At present, <br />they work with sixteen peer mentors at Chapel Hill High School and fifteen at <br />Orange High School. In this program the involved adolescents will form <br />their own peer support group at the middle school level. <br />Strategies for Older Males, ages 16 to 23 <br />Older males need support to develop realistic career and life plans. The OFF <br />Program will work with twenty males in this age group who are partners of <br />JOBS participants, in AFDC families or have dropped out of school. The <br />strategy will focus on employment services and education. Support services <br />will include transportation, child care and health services. <br />The OFF Program will be co- located with the JOBS program in Orange County <br />to provide comprehensive employment services to families. Launched in <br />October, 1990, JOBS targets AFDC recipients and custodial parents under the <br />age of 24. About 25% of all AFDC recipients in Orange County fall into the <br />6/19/91 The Orange County OFF Draft TWO Proposal 11 <br />