Works Wonders® Replication
Replicate Our Proven Jobs Training Program
Does your organization want to better support young people from foster care, juvenile justice, or housing-insecure backgrounds as they enter the workforce—but you’re unsure where to start?
Developing a workforce program can be complex and resource-intensive, especially when addressing the unique needs of systems-involved youth. At Foster Forward, we understand these challenges because we’ve been there. The Works Wonders® program offers you a way to make a difference without the need to create a program from scratch. Whether you’re new to workforce development or seeking to better serve vulnerable young people in your community, we’re here to equip you with everything you need for successful implementation.
Why Partner with Us?
A Proven, Evidence-Informed Model – Built on years of experience, our program delivers successful outcomes, preparing hundreds of youth for meaningful employment.
Comprehensive, Ready-to-Use Curriculum – No need to start from scratch. Our ready-made curriculum saves your team time and resources, allowing you to focus on supporting youth.
Ongoing Technical Assistance – We don’t just hand over the materials; we provide consistent support, training, and troubleshooting to help you navigate challenges and succeed.
Customizable Solutions – Whether new to workforce development or experienced, the Works Wonders® model is adaptable to fit your goals and community needs.
Empowerment for At-Risk Youth – Equip young people with the skills, confidence, and access needed to explore career pathways and achieve independence.
A Lasting Community Impact – By supporting youth as they build career skills, your organization helps create a stronger, more resilient future workforce.
Testimonials from Our Partners
“The Works Wonders program has been transformative for the youth we serve. Through the model’s comprehensive approach and our connection with a community of like-minded organizations, we’ve seen young people gain confidence, communication skills, and workplace readiness. Witnessing these transformations has reaffirmed our decision to adopt the Works Wonders model.”
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What sets Works Wonders® apart is its unique, trauma-informed approach that prioritizes relational competency-building—the skills needed to thrive in both professional and personal environments. These include active listening, teamwork, conflict resolution, and self-advocacy. The model uses a five-step approach to help youth progress along a career development and employment continuum. Youth are guided toward their goals through a mix of group training and individualized career coaching, offering flexibility to accommodate their unique needs.
Most workforce programs follow a one-size-fits-all model, often designed for adults and ill-suited to systems-involved youth. Works Wonders® breaks from that mold, addressing the specific barriers—like housing instability, mental health challenges, or food insecurity—that can hinder young people’s success. Our approach acknowledges that youth need tailored support to help them overcome these challenges and move toward a brighter future.
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The Works Wonders® model includes:
12 hours of career readiness skills training with a stipend
12 weeks of one-on-one career coaching
Access to paid internships, job shadowing, and other work-based learning experiences
Connections with local employers to help youth explore career paths and gain hands-on experience
Personalized support to reduce barriers to employment and education
Youth are never required to meet minimum testing thresholds to participate. Our program is designed for youth with the most significant barriers to employment, and we provide the flexible, individualized support they need to succeed.
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We invite organizations across the country to replicate the Works Wonders® model in their communities. As a replication partner, you'll receive comprehensive support to ensure successful implementation, including:
Training on how to deliver the Works Wonders® program with fidelity
Ongoing technical assistance through monthly calls, data reviews, and a biennial site visit
Access to the Works Wonders® Toolkit & Training Guide
Collaboration opportunities through an annual cross-site convening and a growing community of practice
Guidance on securing funding to support long-term sustainability and growth, helping ensure the program's lasting success in your community.
Each replication partner is supported by Foster Forward’s hands-on technical assistance, which is tailored to meet the specific needs of your organization. Replication is never a cookie-cutter process—we work with you to ensure the program fits your local context, engages your youth, and achieves lasting impact.
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Works Wonders® is an evidence-informed program, added to the Clearinghouse of Evidence-Based Practices and recognized for its effectiveness in preparing youth for the workforce. The program was awarded the Innovations in American Government Award by Harvard Kennedy School in 2018. Through quarterly data submissions and regular fidelity checks, we ensure the program is continuously improving and delivering results for the youth we serve. Additionally, Works Wonders® is one of four programs selected to participate in the Chafee SOTA project, led by Westat, to evaluate promising practices in youth-serving programs. This collaboration helps strengthen our evidence base through innovative learning methods and ensures that our approach remains at the forefront of workforce development for youth transitioning out of foster care.
Bring Works Wonders® to Your Organization
If you're passionate about empowering youth in foster care to achieve their career goals, we invite you to explore replicating Works Wonders® in your community. Our dedicated team will guide you through every step of the process, offering curriculum materials, training, and ongoing support to ensure your program's success.