Opportunity Youth Apprentice – Substance Use Disorder Counseling

Program: California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Program (COYA)
Organization: Amity Foundation
Program Partners: ELAC and Cuesta College
Position Type: Registered Apprenticeship Program
Field: Substance Use Disorder Counseling

Position Summary

Amity Foundation, in partnership with ELAC and Cuesta College, is seeking motivated young adults to participate in the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Program (COYA).

This unique apprenticeship provides participants with an opportunity to turn lived experience into purpose while preparing for a meaningful career in Substance Use Disorder Counseling.

Participants will receive hands-on training, college education, and career development support designed to build the skills and credentials needed to pursue a career helping individuals and communities impacted by substance use.

Program Responsibilities

As an apprentice, participants will have the opportunity to:

• Participate in hands-on training related to Substance Use Disorder Counseling.
• Complete applicable college education and coursework through the program.
• Develop professional skills and knowledge applicable to the behavioral health and substance use disorder field.
• Participate in career development and professional growth activities.
• Learn appropriate professional boundaries, communication, and workplace expectations.
• Develop skills to effectively support individuals and communities.
• Participate in assigned apprenticeship activities, training, and educational requirements.
• Work toward applicable credentials and career readiness within the field.

Minimum Qualifications / Eligibility

Applicants must be 18–24 years old at the time of enrollment and meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria:

• Current or former foster youth
• Pell Grant eligible
• WIOA eligible
• Title I school background
• Reside in a high-poverty area
• Formerly incarcerated
• Youth parent
• Person with a disability

Ideal Candidate

The ideal participant is passionate about helping others and making a difference in their community and is interested in developing a career in Substance Use Disorder Counseling.

Candidates should be willing to participate in both educational and hands-on training components and committed to developing the skills, knowledge, and credentials necessary to succeed in the field.

Education and Training

Participants receive a combination of:

• College education
• Hands-on apprenticeship training
• Career development support
• Professional skill development
• Preparation toward applicable career credentials

How to Apply / Learn More

To learn more about the program or determine eligibility, contact the COYA Team at:

[email protected]

Amity Foundation – California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Program