Rising Young Worker:
Rising Young Worker Award provides recognition to two young people who have achieved success despite obstacles.  Awardees will be recognized by the Youth Council of the Middle Tennessee Workforce Investment Board and will receive $500 towards their future success.

Nomination Criteria: Awards will be presented to two youth (one In School and one Out of School) who have achieved success despite obstacles.  These young people must have demonstrated commitment and determination, made strides to succeed in academic studies and served in a leadership role in his/her school and community helping to promote the future success of their peers. 

Eligible Candidates: Eligible youth currently being served by WIA Youth Contractors in an Active or Follow-up capacity.

•Rising Young Worker Awards are given in recognition of achievement.  Please identify the specific milestone or accomplishment the young person being nominated has achieved.  This achievement can be academic, professional, or community-oriented.

•Describe briefly the leadership qualities this young person exhibits.  Where possible, please describe instances where the young person has had the opportunity to demonstrate those qualities and skills.

•Describe briefly the future plans of the young person.  Where possible, identify ways in which the young person intends to contribute to or promote the future success of his or her peers.

Nominations should be submitted to Ellen Zinkiewicz by May 30, 2008, and should include written responses to the bullet points listed above as well as contact information for the recognized young person.  All nominations should be submitted electronically.

For Contractors:

•Two nominees will be recognized from each contractor at the Awards Ceremony, one in-school and one out-of-school youth.  Please do not submit more than two nominees. 

•The monetary award winners will be decided from the recognized nominees by a panel of Youth Council members and announced at the Awards Ceremony.

•Photo opportunities for the nominees and the contract staff will occur prior to the Awards Ceremony itself, additional photos will be taken after the event.

•Youth will be encouraged to invite family members or supportive friends.