THE PEER POWER FOUNDATION INC

Workforce development: peer power's workforce development program, launched in january 2024, addresses chronic absenteeism and provides career pathways for at-risk youth in memphis. The program serves youth aged 16-24, with particular focus on students at risk of or already involved in the juvenile justice system.in its pilot year, the program achieved remarkable measurable outcomes across two cohorts totaling 41 participants.(continued on schedule o)alpha cohort (17 participants):- 100% program completion rate- 100% high school graduation rate- 94% success rate in avoiding criminal justice involvement- all participants earned osha and forklift operation certificationsbeta cohort (24 participants):- 100% program completion rate- 100% high school graduation rate- 95.8% success rate in avoiding criminal justice involvement- all participants earned material handling certificationscombined achievements include:- 16 participants completed moore tech technical certifications- 7 participants completed specialized mason tender program through aztec masonry- 100% overall program completion and high school graduation ratesthe program's objective is to address memphis's district-wide chronic absenteeism rate of 29% (compared to the state average of 20%) by connecting education directly to employment opportunities. Long-term goals include reducing youth involvement in the criminal justice system, increasing workforce readiness among at-risk youth, and creating sustainable career pathways through industry-recognized credentials.earn and learnpeer power's earn and learn program is a comprehensive workforce development initiative serving youth ages 14-24 in memphis. In fy24, the program achieved significant measurable outcomes:- enrolled and provided job readiness training to 474 youth participants- successfully placed 195 participants in direct employment opportunities with peer power- facilitated permanent job placements for 165 participants post-program- generated $1,086,345 in employer wage savings through strategic partnerships- established partnerships with 54 memphis businesses across diverse industriesthe program specifically targets workforce development in high-demand sectors, with successful placements in:- education (181 youth placed, generating $350,378.11 in wage savings)- supply chain & logistics (58 youth placed, generating $136,701.92 in wage savings)- advanced manufacturing (34 youth placed, generating $102,752.70 in wage savings)the program's objective is to create sustainable career pathways for underserved youth, with 57% of participants coming from low-income backgrounds and 41% gaining their first work experience. Long-term goals include reducing youth unemployment, increasing minority representation in key industries, and building a skilled local workforce pipeline.