Youth Career Awareness Program

Click here to contact the YCAP Team

The Youth Career Awareness Program (YCAP) has been a part of Dunwoody College of Technology since 1988.  The mission, when founded by Mr. Leon Rankin and President Emeritus Warren Phillips, was “To enhance the career opportunities of under-represented youth, by empowering them to graduate from high school and obtain a degree from Dunwoody College of Technology”. 

We are proud of our statistics which are…

1. 96% of YCAP students graduate from high school.
2. 80% of YCAP students go on to post-secondary education at Dunwoody College of Technology.
3. YCAP has assisted over 1,200 students since the induction of our program!

Students accepted into the program are current high school Junior’s, Senior’s and potential first year Dunwoody College of Technology students. All applicants must be in good academic standing at their schools (2.5 G.P.A or higher), driven to succeed, interested in learning more about Dunwoody’s technical careers and have a strong financial need.

 In addition to our mission our goals are to provide more females and students of color who come from a disadvantaged background, the opportunity to attend college. We begin with a six summer session, during which the YCAP students come to the Dunwoody campus to learn more about the various technical programs offered at Dunwoody. Students also improve their academic skills by taking College level courses and working on web-based academic soft ware.

YCAP Student Experiences

Annual Camping Trip
During the camping trip, YCAP students are introduced to a variety of team building activities that teach them to work effectively as a group despite cultural, ethnic and other background differences. Below are some of the events students have participated in:

• Canoeing
• Climbing tower
• High ropes obstacle course
• Leap of faith
• Low Commitment Bridge and other low initiatives
• Simulation of the Underground Railroad lead by Harriett Tubman

Community Service
Each academic year students must complete 15 hours of community service. This service is conducted at many community based organizations and can range from recreation centers and child development centers to the Minnesota Zoo. Students learn the importance of giving back to their community.

Department Visits
Students are introduced to the programs Dunwoody offers. They visit the departments to learn about required courses offered as well as what types of careers and salaries are available once they’ve chosen their program. Students also complete many hands- on projects.

YCAP Annual Cook Out
Our students work very hard to achieve their goals. One of the ways we reward them is FUN WEEK! During this time, students participate in many activities that encourage social networking, relationship building and good old-fashioned fun. Each student has the opportunity to participate in the YCAP Cook Out, Ice Cream Social, City Wide Scavenger Hunt and trip to Valley Fair.

Graduation
At the end of every summer session, each YCAP group has the honor of being recognized for completing their session of the program: YCAP I ( entering 11th grade) YCAP II ( entering 12th grade) and YCAP III (entering 1st year at Dunwoody). All YCAP III students are given a cap and gown; since they have completed all three summer phases and are now students at the college. The graduation ceremony allows for parents, guardians, family, friends and the community to witness the accomplishments of the YCAP students. This is an event that should not be missed!

Each grade level has a different summer experience

1. YCAP I - (Entering 11th grade): Students spend their summer completing in-depth projects within 5-7 Dunwoody departments.
2. YCAP II - (Entering 12th grade): Students take an accredited Dunwoody course during the summer to assist in sharpening reading and writing skills. Students are introduced to college level work and expectations.
3. YCAP III - (Graduated Senior/Dunwoody Student): Students take accredited Dunwoody courses that prepare them for the academic rigor and college expectations.

Monthly School Year Student Workshops
These workshops are hosted at Dunwoody College of Technology once a month on a Saturday for two hours (11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) during which each group focuses on a different topic.

1. YCAP I - (11th grade): School year focus: Academic Enrichment and Life Skills.
2. YCAP II - (12th grade): School year focus: Life Skills and Leadership Skills.
3. YCAP II I-(Graduated Senior/Dunwoody Student):School year focus: Leadership Skills and Career Development.

 Student Benefits

1. A stipend (tax free money!) based upon attendance, participation and completion of assigned projects (summer session only)
2. Exposure to technical careers/programs at Dunwoody College of Technology.
3. Ability to earn high school elective credits.
4. Opportunity to earn up to six Dunwoody College of Technology credits
5. Exposure to community service (15 hours per academic year until graduation from Dunwoody).
6. Transportation provided via bus card (summer session only)
7. Supplemental Scholarship to Dunwoody College of Technology to assist tuition, books, supplies and technology fee.
8. Students are monitored throughout the school year to ensure they are maintaining an acceptable level of attendance, academic progress and the 2.5 G.P.A.

When can I apply for YCAP?
Applications are on the YCAP website on November, 1st of every year (you must download, print and mail the application to YCAP staff. The deadline for applying is April 15th of every year.

YCAP Application

Please send all complete applications to…

Dunwoody College of Technology
Attn: YCAP
818 Dunwoody Boulevard
Minneapolis, MN 55403

YCAP Summer Session Dates:
Monday, June 21,  thru Friday, July 30, 2010

Documents (PDF files):

2009-10 Workshop Calendar
Community Service Form
DCT Bookstore Order Form
Planning a Study Session
Scholarship Recipient Assignment Log
YCAP Student - Week at a glance

Community and Other Resources
National Programs for High School Students

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