Youth Employment Program (YEP!) is a new program that matches youth age 15-21 years of age with members of the business community for job skill development. Independence, Inc. serves as the temporary employment agency for the participants. We pay all wages, employee taxes, and liability insurance for the youth. In return, the business provides the opportunity for the young person to gain valuable work experience necessary for future employment goals. Requirements of the business participant is to allow the student to work at the company for a 80-hour trial period. After the 80-hour trial period we will switch the student to another job trial site. If, however after the 80-hour trial period your agency would like to offer employment to the student we would be most pleased. The program is funded by the Kansas Working Healthy program.

Students who are interested in working will be transported by the school district to and from the job site during school hours. Job coaches will be provided for training and to facilitate the attainment of skills. Our goal is that the student will attain the skills necessary to work independently. The YEP program will pay minimum wage to the students for 80 hours, working approximately two hours a day, five days a week. Independence, Inc. will be the employer and covers all wages and liability. Students' progress will be evaluated during this time. At the end of the 80-hour period the employer will consider the student for employment. All sites are considered job explorations and a student may choose to do other sites for job exploration. Students will receive high school credit for working.

Responsibilities of a YEP! Student