Leveraging Community Partnerships to Break Barriers to College Access

Project Overview Two-year planning grant funded by Administration for Children and Families Purpose: Plan to make system and practice level improvements to benefit youth that have experiences with foster care by integrating the core elements of the preliminary intervention framework.

Core Elements Education / Employment Permanent Connections Housing Social & Emotional Well-Being

Education Needs assessments Coordinate community partners Train staff and mentors on educational resources Coordinate coaches/case managers Data collection and sharing College readiness College/vocational school tours Education Day FAFSA training Internships/summer programs

Employment Coordinate with community partners for trainings, job fairs and internships Train staff and mentors on employment resources Job readiness and advancement trainings for youth Skill and interest assessments Job placements and referrals Career exploration, labor market information Internship/summer jobs

Restore Education

Overview Opened in 2008 Dropout Recovery: GED & College Readiness –Served over 3,000 students –Over 90% of GED graduates either enroll in college or improve employment within 6 mo. –Over 19% GED graduates have completed college, 6 times the US average for GED grads.

Who We Serve Ages 16 and up Average age: 20 –85% economically disadvantaged –80% minority –50% parents –40% former foster youth

Target Population Behind in credits Difficulty with TAKS, STAAR, EOC Attendance issues Need flexible schedule Need individualized help Independent workers Test anxiety, ADD/ADHD Reading level: 8th and above

GED Program Components One-on-one and small group tutoring Individualized, self-paced GED curriculum Integrated TSI (college exam) prep Job readiness activities Support services and referrals GED test Scholarships Connection to HS diploma options

College Enrollment Support Apply TX, FAFSA, Registration MOU with College advising and enrollment Homework space: Tutoring, Laptops & textbook library Advising: Best-bet tracks & Degree tracking Designated 1 st year courses Cohort Based learning Transfer support

Partnership MOU since 2010: –Free, year round access for youth –Quick connection to college –Dedicated college support system

Benefits for BCFS & Youth Open enrollment Year-round schedule Flexible & part-time schedules Located next to San Antonio College Allows youth to access to ETV & other benefits Eliminate need for developmental courses

Keys to Success Regular communication between staff Cooperate on FAFSA, Apply TX, Tuition waiver process Focus on TSI – “college ready” scores

Recommendations Connect with like-minded organizations Mutually beneficial MOU Write Grants together Help each other achieve goals Education program on-site if possible

Questions & Answers Norma Davila, MPH BCFS Health and Human Services San Antonio Transition Center Kelli Rhodes, MBA Kerri Rhodes, MAlt. Restore Education