A program to help youth realize the power of knowledge

Compass helps young people develop skills for the workplace and helpful attitudes towards work, develop their career interests, and achieve their educational goals. This is an education, training and employment program for Cape Ann youth ages 16-21. Click here for volunteer and internship opportunities

Compass provides students at risk of dropping out of high school with educational alternatives and creative opportunities that reduce the appeal of at-risk behavior. We specialize in creating a learning environment that is flexible and accepting of the youth culture while simultaneously encouraging students to take personal responsibility and to become proactive in their learning experiences.  Our students' primary goal is to achieve a high school diploma and to enter college and full-time employment as successful young adults. Our challenge is to help students achieve their goals by discovering their learning styles, multiple forms of intelligence, and the career interests that will lead to meaningful vocational and life choices.

Click on one of the links below for information on the two educational tracks at Compass:

• Gloucester High School Satellite Site
• GED
• Gloucester High Night School

Both the high school diploma and the GED programs at Compass offer many opportunities for personal, educational and career development, including:

• Academic Advising - developing a plan for attaining a GED or high school diploma, and planning for further education.
• Assessments - discovering talents, interests, values and personality style.
• Career Counseling - discussing skills, interests, and values for decision making.
• Case Management - supporting and connecting participants to support services as needed.
• Job Interview Skills - providing mock interviews.
• Job Searching Advising & Placement - organizing a job search plan, support in attaining and maintaining employment.
• Job Skills - exploring helpful attitudes toward work, and learning job skills.
• Leadership Development - opportunities to develop and nurture innate leadership potential.
• Life Skills - training on communication skills, personal control, self-confidence, stress management and relationships.
• Mentoring - career mentoring links participants to resources and support.
• Resume & Cover Letters
• Summer Employment
• T.A.L.K.S - "Teaching Adolescents Learning Knowledge and Skills" an integrated and experiential learning program led by an LICSW that helps participants achieve lasting, positive mental health and remove obstacles to success in school.
• Tutoring

Click here for information on how to apply.

Funding

This program is generously supported by the North Shore Workforce Investment Board, The Millipore Foundation , the McCarthy Family Foundation, the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation, the Cabot Family Charitable Trust, the City of Gloucester Community Development and two anonymous donors. Compass works in partnership with the Gloucester Public School System. Compass is highlighted in the Millipore Foundation annual report. Click here.

Compass Youth Program of Action, Inc. 978.281.9682