Resolving barriers to employment and education are crucial first steps for disconnected youth.  Many youth face mental health and substance use issues that prevent authentic connection to work and or school. In addition, youth often face challenges securing reliable transportation to and from work.  Once barriers begin to fade, youth have the opportunity to be connected to workforce development to begin job preparation skills.  These include "soft skills" such as interviewing techniques and in-person communication skills.  On-going job and educational support is provided by case managers and agencies such as BERC (workforce development and American Jobs Center).

BERC is Carroll County's partner for the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act and will be working with disconnected youth to ready them for employment and or school.  Additionally, the Customzied Employment program through Change, Inc. is also working with youth who have signficant barriers to employment, that may prevent them from being successful at BERC.