Delta Opportunity Plus Program Monthly Report
Submitted by: East Arkansas Regional Youth Employment Initiative (EARYEI)
Reporting Period: August 1 – August 31, 2025
Counties: Lee, Monroe, St. Francis
Program Photo Highlights
St. Francis County Orientation
Program Overview
The Delta Opportunity Plus program, coordinated by EARYEI, is preparing for its second launch with youth participants scheduled to begin work the week of October 1, 2025. Students will work up to 20 hours per week for 10 weeks across Lee, Monroe, and St. Francis Counties.
In preparation for this launch, activities began in early August. These included holding planning meetings with program staff and partners, actively recruiting both youth participants and worksites, and supporting families in gathering the necessary documentation for eligibility. These early steps have created a strong foundation for the fall cycle and positioned the program for a smooth transition into active placements.
Youth Enrollment
- Lee County: 17 pending applications; 4 completed applications.
- Monroe County: 20 youth enrolled.
- St. Francis County: ~20 youth applications collected; not all met TANF eligibility requirements.
Total Youth Engaged Across Counties: ~61
Active Worksites
- Lee County: 5 completed worksite applications; 2 pending.
- Monroe County: 9 active worksites confirmed.
- St. Francis County: ~10 worksite applications received, with additional recruitment underway.
Total Worksites Across Counties: ~26
Program Value to Youth
The Delta Opportunity Plus program is providing participants with critical personal, academic, and career development benefits, including:
• Exposure to application/documentation processes.
• Communication and workplace readiness skills.
• Supplemental income supporting educational and family needs.
• Reduced family financial stress while gaining real-world experience.
• Pathways to long-term success through skill development and career connections.
Success Stories
- Career Advancement in Monroe County: Several participants transitioned into full-time employment.
- Employer Re-engagement in St. Francis County: Multiple worksites requested returning students.
Barriers & Challenges
- Documentation Requirements delayed enrollment.
- Eligibility Restrictions limited participation despite strong interest.
- Timing with School Year slowed application/documentation completion.
Current Status & Next Steps
Delta Plus is well-positioned for a successful fall launch. Since early August, program activities have included:
• Planning meetings to align staff, worksites, and community partners on program goals and expectations.
• Recruitment of participants and worksites, ensuring a strong pool of candidates and host employers.
• Documentation support for youth and worksites to ensure eligibility requirements are met.
As a result, enrollment pipelines remain strong (~61 youth engaged), with ~26 confirmed or pending worksites prepared to receive participants. Orientations for both youth and worksites have also been conducted to set expectations and provide resources.
Launch Goal: Youth begin work placements the week of October 1, 2025.