KYEA - Go Topeka

KYEA

Contact Person: Shannon Kennedy
Address: 2220 SE 29th Street, Suite B, Topeka, KS 66605
Phone: 785-215-6655
Email: director@kyea.org
Website: www.kyea.org
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Organization Overview

KYEA (Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy) is focused on providing workforce readiness and career services for youth, particularly those with disabilities. Their programs emphasize job placement, career exploration, and soft skills training, with a commitment to supporting individuals facing barriers to employment, such as physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and mental health challenges.

Target Demographics

KYEA serves a wide range of youth and adults, including:

Youth:
- Youth from low-income families, homeless or housing-insecure youth, and underserved communities
- Youth transitioning out of foster care or involved in child welfare services
- Youth involved in the criminal justice system (juvenile justice system, probation, diversion programs)
- LGBTQ+ youth, youth facing discrimination or family rejection, and youth seeking gender-affirming services
- Youth with limited educational attainment (high school dropouts, youth without a high school diploma)
- Teen parents or youth balancing parenthood with education or work
- Youth experiencing trauma or mental health challenges
- Youth with disabilities (physical, intellectual, developmental)
Adults:
- Individuals with physical disabilities
- Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities
- Individuals with mental health conditions

Services Offered

KYEA offers a comprehensive array of career readiness and workforce development services:

Job Placement & Work-Based Learning Opportunities:

Full-time and part-time job placements
Paid and unpaid internship placements
Job shadowing and paid work-based learning placements

Career Readiness Services:

Job search assistance, job coaching, and career pathways/exploration
One-on-one coaching or counseling
Interest and skill assessments
Workshops, resume writing, and interview training
Basic skills, soft skills, and professional skills training
Counseling referrals and adaptive services

Disability Services:

Disability training for employers
Soft-skills training available to any interested individuals, particularly those transitioning to the workforce

Additional Services

Collaboration with the State of Kansas Pre-ETS Group: KYEA works closely with the State of Kansas Pre-ETS group to provide job placement and readiness services.
Soft-Skills Training: KYEA offers soft-skills training to anyone in need, focusing on developing the personal and professional skills necessary for success in the workplace.
Employer Disability Training: The organization provides disability training to employers to help them create more inclusive and supportive workplaces.