EDUCATION ADVOCACY This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Barriers to Education Goals:

Lakya Lewis, Education Advocation Introductions Holly Durham LPC-S, Training Manager Lakya Lewis, Education Advocation

Common Barriers Placement Changes Locally Out of Region Placements Different School Districts Credits Youth classified lower Missed Exams Missed school days

Case 1 Youth is 17 years old. Classified as freshman in high school. The youth turns 18 in a few months and wants to leave care on their birthday.

Barriers Continued Transportation Finances Documentation Lack of Support

Case 2 An 18-year-old senior in high school living on their own. In need of help getting required documents to attend the local Junior College.

Barriers Continued Youth need a ride to get transcripts Loss of high school credits Applications and FAFSA too long and complicated Non-supportive or uninvolved foster parents

Case 3 There is 19-year-old high school dropout, interested in going back to school and getting a high school diploma. They are currently staying with different friends (couch surfing). The last grade completed was 11th grade.

ABOUT THE GRANT… TRAC’s Education Advocate works one- on- one to deliver dropout prevention and retention services to current and former foster youth. The goal is to increase high school completion and post secondary completion Work directly with youth and Dallas Independent school District foster counselor

How can the Education Advocate help? Go with a youth to pick up transcripts/provide a ride! Provide youth with a career/interest inventory to assess strengths and help determine what type of education may suit them best Help youth with mandatory health requirements ie: meningitis vaccine Provide youth with frequent reminders and deadline dates Plan college tours and attend community events Support and reward (with incentives) youth when they achieve a set goal Plug them into resources/programs for help

Case 4 I am a 16-year-old early high school graduate. I have been working hard to complete school early. I have been accepted to a major university out of region. I need help finding resources and housing options.

Youth Leadership Committee The purpose of the council is to support, advocate and mentor youth to achieve their goals, and be there when goals aren’t met, or other barriers surface Peer support is a vital component to building a network that youth can utilize the rest of their lives