News Flash

The city is starting a new job-readiness program, called Positive Path, for at-risk city residents ages 16 to 24 and is accepting applications for the first class through July 17.

The Positive Path program offers part-time employment, exposure to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (S.T.E.A.M.) careers, mentorships, hands-on training and personal and professional development. 

Participants, called apprentices, earn $15 per hour for 20 hours per week. During the 20-week program they have the opportunity to earn their GED as well as a nationally recognized construction certification. Participants also attend post-secondary S.T.E.A.M. classes.

To be eligible, applicants must be a resident of Winston-Salem between 16 and 24 years of age and meet any one of the following criteria: live in a low-income household, be a current or former foster youth, have an incarcerated parent or caregiver, be a youth or adult offender, or have a referral from a social-services agency.

All applicants must pass a city drug screening and background check, register for the Selective Service and be able to lift 25 pounds.

Positive Path expands on the city’s previous YouthBuild Winston-Salem program, says Faith Bartlett, the director of the Positive Path program. “A key improvement is that Positive Path incorporates S.T.E.A.M. activities,” Bartlett said. “We believe this will give our apprentices more paths to success and more opportunities in the job market.”

An application is posted at CityofWS.org/PositivePath. A link to a printable flyer about the program is also posted. Potential participants can be referred to the program by emailing Faith Bartlett or Troy Sneed.