Programs and Services
  Health Care Navigator  
Head Start/Early Head Start
Health Services
Family Assistance
Secret Santa
Heating/Cooling Assistance
Housing Services
Senior Services
Public Transportation
Development
About Community Action
News
Reports
Community Resources  
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions
Community Action Links
Employee Links
Employee Newsletter
Home Page
March 2008 News News page Archive

Andrew Strahler, a successful participant in the Workforce Investment Act Youth Program, on the job at Electronic Design for Industry where he now works.
Workforce Invest Act Program
Helps Young People Succeed


Andrew Strahler, 19, is working thanks to the joint efforts of Washington-Morgan Community Action (WMCAP), the Workforce Investment Act Youth Program, the Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and Electronic Design for Industry, Inc (EDI) in Belpre.

Andrew, who has been diagnosed with autism, began working with Sarah Miller, case manager with WMCAP, and Connie Strahler, job developer with WCBDD Pathways Employment Solutions, to find a way for Andrew to gain some independence and job skills. In June 2007, EDI, which designs and manufactures user-friendly controllers and peripherals for gas and oil wells, agreed to allow Andrew to get work experience in their company. He worked approximately ten hours per week and, by the end of August 2007, had learned stud assembly, coil assembly, wire cutting and gasket/barb assembly.

EDI agreed that if Andrew could master the more involved tasks of electronic box assembly and plugging boards, they would hire him. Andrew did just that. A senior at Fort Frye High School, he attended school every morning and worked at EDI in the afternoons. In early November 2007, EDI hired Andrew.

Since joining the EDI team, he has learned to solder and continues to learn new jobs. EDI is pleased to have Andrew with the company and his co-workers really enjoy having him on the shifts he works.

The Workforce Investment Act Youth Program helps children from low-income families age 14-21. The goal of the program is for the participants to obtain a credential---a high school diploma, GED, occupational skills license or degree.

The program includes:
Tutoring, study skills training, and instruction leading to completion of secondary school
Alternative secondary school if appropriate
Summer employment directly linked to academic and occupational learning
Paid and unpaid work experience including job shadowing and internships
Job readiness skills
Occupational skills training
Leadership development
Adult mentoring

For more information regarding the WIA Youth Program contact Sarah Miller at 740-373-3745 ext 303.


Washington-Morgan Community Action Washington and Morgan Counties, Ohio


218 Putnam Street, Marietta, OH 45750 (740) 373-3745
50 W. Third Street, PO Box 398, Malta, OH 43758
(740) 962-3827