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EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT: WORK READINESS TRAINING Description of the component. Provide a summary of the activities and services. Work Readiness programs provide skill and interest assessment and educational remediation services to prepare the participant for the workforce. Work readiness activities may focus on fundamental cognitive skills or non- cognitive, behavioral soft skills. Fundamental cognitive skills may include but are not limited to literacy, basic math, problem solving, and critical thinking. Behavioral soft skills may include but are not limited to workplace relationships, communication, integrity, and personal presentation. The HELP Center: Pathways to Employability is a virtual work readiness program comprised of 9 one-week modules which promote personal growth and skill development needed to gain and retain employment. Upon completion participants will have acquired the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the job market successfully and embark on a path toward sustained employment and career growth. Goodwill of the Heartland: The World of Work course is designed to help job seekers gain the foundational skills to meet the needs and expectations of businesses and build successful careers. Before beginning class, participants will work with a Career Navigator to identify skills and interests, learn how they relate to the local job market, and explore pathways that are a good match. Participants choose from more than 30 relevant workshops and complete at least 18 hours of coursework in a classroom setting in the areas of job search, digital skills, financial literacy, and success on the job. Central Iowa Shelter and Services: Work Readiness Training: Four-week program that helps clients develop good work habits that facilitate their ongoing success through basic employability skills including effective communication, problem solving, resume building, and interviewing. Daily sessions are practical real-life skills, such as housing applications, job searches, reverse job fairs, resume building, communication skills (behavioral and soft) to improve long term success, and health classes in addition to 2.5 hours of weekly individualized sessions with Case Managers. Iowa Workforce Development –American Job Centers: IowaWORKS Career Services Career Planners will develop an IEP with participants. Participants will be required to take the O*NET assessment and any additional assessments that will be beneficial to the participant. Referrals to other WIOA programs will be made to address any literacy, basic math, problem solving and critical thinking deficiencies. Participants will be required to participate in Virtual Job Club and Bring Your A Game to Work training to prepare them for entering the workforce. Additionally, career planners will provide ongoing mentoring, coaching, and counseling to ensure that participants are prepared for the world of work. Appropriate referrals will be made to WIOA programs and community resources based on the needs of the participant. Change Course: A six-week personal development program focusing on soft skills, computer literacy, effective communication, life skills, overcoming individualized barriers, and more. 1/28/26, 11:53 AM State Plan IA FY26 - Original Submission https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-iafy26stateplan//index.html 65/105