Explorations is a career and education development center, located at V.O.I.C.E.S. Napa, where youth can get all of their career and educational needs met under one roof. Explorations empowers youth to create their future by bringing together community organizations, businesses, schools, families and other employment resources. The center is free and open to all Napa County youth and their families.

More then ever, youth need help planning for their future. Whether it’s making sure they’re qualified for college, finding financial aid, or getting job training, under-served youth often don’t know where to turn.

Some of the specific services Explorations provides include:

• Resources and Support: Staff at Explorations provide immediate information to youth and their families seeking options for their future.
• Coaching and Mentoring: Explorations provides peer support, adult mentoring and professional career and college counseling.
• Community Partners: Staff from other community organizations co-locate at the Explorations Center to make it easy to find the right help all in one place.
• Academic Support: Referrals and access to a variety of tutoring opportunities and test-taking preparation is provided.
• Leadership Development: Youth can find opportunities for internships and apprenticeships at Explorations.

Some of the many highlights occurring at Explorations:

The CRUISE program, which employs youth ages 16-24 to work 20-30 hours a week, is starting in late June 2010. We are looking for employers interested in participating!  

-   Job-Readiness workshops are taking place, helping youth learn how to write a resume and apply for jobs

-   Youth are actively partnering with both peers and experienced adults: Youth-coaches provide essential peer support while co-located staff from various Napa organizations offer professional guidance to access community resources.

-   Parents are learning what classes their children should take in high school so they will be eligible for college

-   Youth and their parents are learning how to apply for specific grants and scholarships that can make college affordable for everybody