In MAKiN' iT: The Six Universal Habits for True Survival and Success, author and national youth workforce development expert, Edward DeJesus reveals the habits used by thousands of former at-risk youth to succeed in jobs, education and beyond. DeJesus gives us a trailblazing book that promises to transform the way youth look at the importance of education, work, and positive lifestyles. Too often, youth are often misdirected from making the necessary investments in the development of proper attitudes, tools beliefs, and behaviors that lead to long-term economic success. In MAKiN' iT, DeJesus reveals the source of this misdirection and helps youth lay out a plan for a healthy and prosperous future. Armed with hard facts from some of the world's prominent researchers, DeJesus uncovers that ever-elusive link between program participation and long-term success. In this step-by-step guide, young adults ages (14-26) will be better able to cope with negative influences, build economic opportunity, develop goals, and much more. MAKiN' iT: The Six Universal Habits for True Survival and Success is destined to become the ultimate success manual for young people seeking options beyond the streets. It has already secured stellar reviews from the top leaders in the youth workforce development, juvenile justice, and child welfare fields. A must read for any young person interested in success and those who are committed to helping them achieve it. What They Are Saying About MAKiN' iT: "MAKiN' iT is a useful, down to earth, compassionate and respectful tool for inspiring and preparing young people to take the necessary steps to Make It to their own goals and vision of a life worth living. Ed DeJesus has as usual captured the essence of the challenges faced by young people working against the odds, and the skills necessary to transcend those odds."
-Dorothy Stoneman, Founder, YouthBuild "MAKiN iT integrates concepts we often discuss in isolation: trauma, belonging, decision-making, working and learning to work, and of course, social capital. It's all in here."
-Thomas C. Showalter, Executive Director, National Youth Employment Coalition "It works, and we have the data to prove it. For more than 15 years, The Work Group has used the MAKiN' iT Universal Survival Laws to prepare Camden's disenfranchised young adults for options beyond the streets. The Survival Laws have become part of the fabric of our organization and a mantra for our youth. Ed's work has helped to elevate our ability to connect with and successfully serve youth. All youth-serving programs should be using the MAKiN' iT Universal Survival Laws "
-Lori Godorov, Executive Director, The Work Group/New Jersey Youth Corps "Ed hits on every cylinder with his latest book "MAKiN' iT". Everyone who is looking for work or just building their career should understand how to cultivate, develop and continuously engaging one's social capital. This skill set should be a mandatory piece of any workforce development or vocational training curriculum."
-Bob Lanter, Executive Director, California Workforce Association "For more than 20 years, DeJesus' message has resounded loudly with the youth of Baltimore city. He has found a way to reach youth with a message that parents and educators have been trying to convey for years. This book is a must-read for all youth in workforce development programs and those who are trying to see them through."
-Ernest Dorsey, Assistant Director, Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Employment Development "An important book for any young person who wants to build a better future. A timely book for anyone who wants to help them build it."
-Tadar Muhammad, Vice President, Home Builders Institute