Understanding the 220 Youth Leadership Employability Skills Certificate

Demonstrated Competencies in Communication, Collaboration, and Work Ethic

Students who earn the 220 Employability Skills Certificate have demonstrated skill development in

These competencies align with Indiana’s Employability Skills standards and reflect expectations required for graduation and long-term success in college, career, and the workplace.

At 220 Youth Leadership, these skills are intentionally embedded into every learning experience and demonstrated through sustained, applied work.

Communication

Aligned to Indiana’s Effective Communication standard

Indiana defines effective communication as the ability to clearly, effectively, and convincingly express ideas appropriate to the environment.

Students earning this certificate demonstrate communication through

development of detailed written responses and structured plans that require clarity of thought,
articulation of personal goals, values, strategies, and solutions in writing,
professional-style written communication within course activities,
delivery of a required cumulative presentation in every 220 experience, and
in many programs, additional interim presentations that build verbal clarity and confidence over time.

At 220 Youth Leadership, these skills are intentionally embedded into every learning experience and demonstrated through sustained, applied work.

Collaboration

Aligned to Indiana’s Collaboration standard

Indiana defines collaboration as the ability to work well with others in a team.

Within 220 programming, collaboration is built into the learning process rather than treated as an isolated activity. Students earning this certificate demonstrate collaboration through

participating in structured peer learning experiences embedded in the curriculum,
engaging in group-based work when applicable,
providing and receiving constructive peer feedback,
co-evaluating peer presentations, and
interacting with instructors to refine and strengthen their work.

Students are expected to listen, respond, adjust, and contribute in shared learning environments that mirror professional expectations. The certificate verifies that the student has engaged in collaborative processes aligned with workplace standards.

Work Ethic

Aligned to Indiana’s Work Ethic standards

Indiana defines work ethic as a set of values centered on the importance of doing work and reflected in a determination to work hard. Sub-skills include self-discipline, independence, perseverance, time management, adaptability, integrity, and professionalism.

220 programs are intentionally structured around cumulative projects that require sustained effort and ownership Students earning this certificate demonstrate work ethic through

completing long-term, multi-module projects that build progressively over time,
managing deadlines and organizing work across sustained assignments,
working independently with minimal supervision while meeting expectations,
demonstrating perseverance by refining and improving work throughout the process,
engaging in inquiry, research, and thoughtful exploration without predefined answers, and
presenting final deliverables that reflect preparation, professionalism, and accountability.

Most assignments do not have a single correct answer. Students must think critically, manage their time, adjust their approach when needed, and follow through to completion. Successful completion signifies demonstrated persistence, independence, responsibility, and professional conduct consistent with Indiana’s Work Ethic standards.

Skill Verification

The 220 Employability Skills Certificate signifies verified demonstration of communication, collaboration, and work ethic within structured 220 programming.

These competencies are demonstrated through sustained participation, cumulative project work, and evaluated performance across the learning experience.

For additional verification or questions regarding this certificate, please contact 220 Youth Leadership.

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