Empowering today’s youth with the confidence and skills needed to succeed tomorrow.
The Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) is a year-round educational and occupational learning program for students currently attending school. The Program is funded by the state and federal governments and administered by the Montgomery County Department of Economic and Workforce Development. The YEP is funded through the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA).
What programs does the YEP offer?
The YEP offers many educational and occupational learning programs and services for young people who meet the eligibility requirements. Examples of some of the most recent YEP programs and activities are:
Summer Programs
After-School Programs
Job Readiness/Job Prep
Life Skills Workshops
Who qualifies to participate in the YEP?
Montgomery County’s youth ages 14 to 21 who are currently attending school may qualify to participate in the YEP if they are economically disadvantaged and have a barrier to employment. The list of barriers to employment include:
Deficient in basic skills
Homeless, runaway or foster child
Pregnant or parenting youth
Convicted offender
A student who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program or to secure and hold employment
How do young people enroll in the YEP?
Although this is an open enrollment program, positions are limited. When there are openings, students are recruited through public and alternative schools, community organizations, county agencies, and by referrals from parents, guidance counselors and community leaders. Students remain in the YEP until they graduate from high school.
Where is the YEP located?
The YEP is operated out of Montgomery County’s PA CareerLink located at 1855 New Hope Street, Norristown, PA 19401. However, programs take place at many different locations throughout the county, including MontgomeryCountyCommunity College, community-based organizations and local career-technical schools.