Youth Apprenticeship Program

Opportunity Youth Apprentice – Substance Use Disorder Counseling Program: California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Program (COYA) Organization: Amity Foundation Program Partners: ELAC and Cuesta College Position Type: Registered Apprenticeship Program Field: Substance Use Disorder Counseling Position Summary Amity Foundation, in partnership with ELAC and Cuesta College, is seeking motivated young adults to participate in the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Program (COYA) .

This unique apprenticeship provides participants with an opportunity to turn lived experience into purpose while preparing for a meaningful career in Substance Use Disorder Counseling .

Participants will receive hands-on training, college education, and career development support designed to build the skills and credentials needed to pursue a career helping individuals and communities impacted by substance use.

Program Responsibilities As an apprentice, participants will have the opportunity to: • Participate in hands-on training related to Substance Use Disorder Counseling.

• Complete applicable college education and coursework through the program. • Develop professional skills and knowledge applicable to the behavioral health and substance use disorder field.

• Participate in career development and professional growth activities. • Learn appropriate professional boundaries, communication, and workplace expectations.

• Develop skills to effectively support individuals and communities. • Participate in assigned apprenticeship activities, training, and educational requirements.

• Work toward applicable credentials and career readiness within the field. Minimum Qualifications / Eligibility Applicants must be 18–24 years old at the time of enrollment and meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria: • Current or former foster youth • Pell Grant eligible • WIOA eligible • Title I school background • Reside in a high-poverty area • Formerly incarcerated • Youth parent • Person with a disability Ideal Candidate The ideal participant is passionate about helping others and making a difference in their community and is interested in developing a career in Substance Use Disorder Counseling.

Candidates should be willing to participate in both educational and hands-on training components and committed to developing the skills, knowledge, and credentials necessary to succeed in the field.

Education and Training Participants receive a combination of: • College education • Hands-on apprenticeship training • Career development support • Professional skill development • Preparation toward applicable career credentials How to Apply / Learn More To learn more about the program or determine eligibility, contact the COYA Team at: coya@amityfdn.