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available courses with options for either paid certifications. The movement towards developing MOOCs has <br />been embraced by Harvard, MIT, Berkeley, Yale and other universities looking to reach wider audiences. <br />(https: / /www.coursera.ore/) These courses have the potential to be used to expose student from at risk <br />backgrounds to the rigors of higher education without the financial entry barriers they would traditionally face. <br />Industry specific coursework is also being designed and offered by leading tech companies seeking to create an <br />educated workforce that knows how to use their IT systems. AT &T and Google are both creating a series of low <br />cost courses that will allow students to obtain inexpensive credentials certifying marketable skills. This trend <br />toward industry specific training has been adopted by other MOOCs in areas with highly specialized <br />instructional needs. ALISON in particular is already being offered through government workplace centers in 18 <br />states to supplement the changing skillsets needed by industry. http: / /alison.coin/ Human resource officers have <br />begun reporting that prospective employees with certified MOOC course work demonstrate a commitment to <br />upgrading skills and knowledge. This helps them gain a competitive edge compared to other applicants. <br />MOOCs are in still in the process of developing social and pedagogical models around their courses in order to <br />strengthen the completion rate among those enrolled in the coursework. This pilot aims to critically examine <br />how MOOCS can be improved to reach educationally underserved populations more effectively. We believe <br />that our program will improve the course completion rates by assigning a staff teaching assistant and dedicated <br />scheduling to support each MOOC participant throughout the program. These small adjustments to the learning <br />ecosystem could provide a cost effective method to help transition at risk Santa Ana youth into higher education <br />courses that will help to ensure their adaptability to future changes in the job market. This pilot will utilize free <br />MOOCs from Coursera, ALISON, Udacity, Saylor, and EdX to supplement the workload of each cohort. <br />http: / /www.saylor.org/ Advanced Learning Interactive Systems Online ( ALISON) will provide free high quality <br />industry recognized instruction in computer related fields. We will use Coursera, Udacity, & EdX to identify <br />STEAM, information technology, digital media and marketing related courses. Saylor will provide business and <br />soft skills courses as assed by our initial needs assessment. The courses will be done in a classroom setting with <br />dedicated a teacher assistant to help them complete the MOOC courses. <br />The program will provide participants with WIA Elements 1, 4 -10. The program will offer students tutoring, <br />study skills training, and instruction leading to the completion of a high school diploma and post - secondary <br />education readiness (1). Students will have the opportunity for occupational skill training in computer <br />maintenance and repair and clerical office skills, as well as media technology through Santa Ana College and its <br />Continuing Education Center Program (4), as well as work experience at the library creating design/content for <br />various agency and affiliate web sites, producing videos for the city's CTV -3 channel, and work experience at <br />externship sites at local businesses and city departments (5). During their work experience, the teens will <br />operate in teams, where the need for teamwork will help them to develop an understanding of the importance of <br />responsible behavior and an opportunity to display leadership (6). During the entire learning and working <br />period, youth will be monitored and supported by adults and responsible young adults from the library and the <br />College (8), and provided with the educational materials and equipment required to successfully complete the <br />program (7). A Masters in Counseling intern skilled in a variety of fields, including addiction and family <br />counseling, will be available to students as needed (10). Follow -up services for a minimum of 12 months after <br />program completion will be provided for youth to support educational and /or employment endeavors (9). <br />Upon eligibility determination, all 30 participants will be streamed into 3 program tracks. <br />Track 1: Out —of- School Youth: Microsoft Office Application certifications and Intermediate Digital Media <br />Apprenticeships (15 participants ): Digital Media Basics: 40 hours, Intro to Marketing: 50 hours, Intermediate Digital <br />EXHIBIT A <br />