Level Up through Educational & Career Readiness Pathways 

level-upProgram Overview

The Level Up Program is a specially designed career & educational readiness program for disconnected (out-of-school) young adults, ages 16-24. By providing individualized career & educational support, we help young adults to enter education and/or employment. Enrolled participants will receive 1:1 career & educational advising, attend job readiness & leadership workshops, and attend college and/or career engagement events throughout the year. Once youth complete all three “levels” of the program, they receive their Career & Leadership Readiness Certificate and are then eligible to apply for a paid ($1,000) 50-hour internship with a local employer. Powered by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) & Alameda County Workforce Development Board.   

The Level Up Program can provide support with the following: 

  • Career exploration/counseling  
  • Job preparation (resume writing, interview skills, job search help, etc.)
  • Leadership & professional skills development 
  • Support applying/enrolling in college (applications, FAFSA, college connections, etc.) 
  • Paid internship opportunities 
  • Financial assistance (transportation stipends, employment-related costs, etc.) 

Program "levels" that participants will move through as they work towards receiving their Career Leadership Certificate:

                            Level Up Program: Career Leadership Certificate requirements. Level 1/Bronze: Orient. Checklist: -attend 1/1 orientation meeting -take pre-assessment survey and CASAS -receive $50 when tasks are complete. Lever 2/Silver: Explore. Checklist: -meet with your career advisor once a month or as needed -take career interest survey - find 3 jobs that match your result. Level 3/Gold: engage. Checklist: -attend at least 1 workshop per month (see attached list) -attend 1 monthly career workshop

Participating Employers 

If you are interested in participating as an employer for our Level Up Program to host a micro-intern, please contact Raj Rai at rrai@ohlone.edu.

Eligibility Requirements & Enrolling

Eligibility Requirements:  

  • Be between the ages of 16 to 24  
  • Must live in Alameda County (except for the city of Oakland) 
  • NOT be attending or enrolled in secondary or for-credit postsecondary education (please note: you would not be eligible if you are on a “school break,” or winter, spring, or summer vacation) 
  • AND have at least one barrier to education/employment:  
    • School dropout  
    • Youth who is a recipient of a High School Diploma or a recognized equivalent, who is low-income AND is either deficient in basic literacy skills OR is an English Language Learner  
    • Homeless or runaway  
    • In foster care or aged out of foster care  
    • Pregnant/parenting  
    • Justice-involved (juvenile or adult justice system)  
    • Has a disability  
    • Requires additional assistance to complete an educational program, or to secure and hold employment (and must also meet low-income requirements) 

How to Enroll:  

  1. Complete Level Up interest form (see form below) 
  2. Once you complete the form, a staff member will be in contact with you to complete the program application (WIOA application). Please note, application will require: 
    • Proof of residence in Alameda County (except for Oakland)  
    • Proof of Right-to-Work Documents in the U.S. 
    • Proof of Social Security number  
    • Proof of Selective Service registration or exemption (if you are a male over the age of 18) 

*For any questions about the program, call 510-742-2326.