1. Opening Career Pathways Initiative September 2010 Gathering Creating Postsecondary Pathways that Work Scott Emerick YouthBuild USA

2. 2 Agenda  Introduction to Postsecondary Education Initiative – –Rationale & Relevancy for Career Pathways Work  Partnerships Currently Working for YouthBuild Programs and Students  Your Experiences in Supporting YouthBuild Students and Graduates Toward Postsecondary Success  Transition Services for Student Success  Conversation About Next Steps and Implications

3. 3 The Case for Postsecondary Credentials “The goal of this administration is to ensure that every child has access to a complete and competitive education…. I ask every American to commit to at least one year or more of higher education or career training. This can be community college or a four-year school; vocational training or an apprenticeship. But whatever the training may be, every American will need to get more than a high school diploma.” Remarks of President Barack Obama Address to Joint Session of Congress February 24th, 2009

4. 4 The Case for Postsecondary Credentials  According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2014, 75% of all new jobs require a PSE credential (including 24 of 30 fastest growing career fields)  Relative to individuals with just a high school degree: some college and no degree earn 18 percent more associate’s degree earn 29 percent more bachelor’s degree earn 62 percent more  Individuals with PSE credential are more likely to vote, volunteer, lead stable families and guide their own children to success in adulthood (College Board and US Department of Health and Human Services)

5. 5 Overlap of Career Development and Postsecondary Education Initiatives  Primary Programmatic Areas of Focus for PSE Initiative  Postsecondary Partnerships  Transition and Ongoing Support Services  Academic Alignment  The 4-P’s for Success in Career Pathways Work  Program Culture  Partnerships  Preparation  Placement & Retention

6. 6 © 2008 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | 6 Pathways Connecting YouthBuild & Postsecondary Partners Through PSE Initiative: Systems connect for preparation and supported transition to and through postsecondary credential completion Community Colleges and other PSE providers Limited follow-up after graduation as capacity allows Previously: Limited integration between PSE and YB Programs Support Network During YouthBuild Program Implementation Community Colleges and other PSE providers enroll student with limited support toward credential completion Low-income young adults with supportsLow-income young adults in PSE YouthBuild Program Supports Low-income young adults are supported to and through PSE Blended Delivery

7. 7 The Case for Postsecondary Partnerships  Gateway to College movement serves high school dropouts (ages 16-21) on community and technical college campuses where students complete high school diploma and simultaneously earn PSE credits  90% continue into PSE and accumulate average of 41 credits during Gateway  Early College High School movement serves students traditionally under- represented in higher education. Local education agency, higher education partner and community collaborate to develop integrated academic program  In 2008, 92% graduation rate and 89% of graduates start PSE  Seven Current YouthBuild PSE Pilot Programs – all with postsecondary partnerships, MOU’s, and various shared program designs  Collectively sent more than 260 students to postsecondary in last two years  Collectively achieved better than 70% retention rate in postsecondary to date

8. 8 ActivityPercent of Programs Currently Implementing Financial Aid Preparation Assistance93% College Application Assistance93% College Visits92% College Advising72% Access to College Placement Testing72% Partnering with PSE Institution for Academic Alignment 63% Established MOU with PSE Partner51% College Study Skill Preparation47% Program Rituals/Celebrations of Students’ PSE Success 42% Postsecondary Activities from Dec 2009 Survey Responses from Affiliated YouthBuild Programs

9. 9 Characteristics of Effective Partnerships 1.Create Mutual Accountability for Student Success 2.Customize to Reflect Local Context, Unique Student Needs and Available Resources 3.Formalize Agreements (MOU, Articulation, Data Sharing, Letter of Agreement – See Toolkit for Examples & Processes) 4.Clarify Goals, Objectives, Roles and Responsibilities 5.Collect, Share and Respond to Data in Real Time (Student Attendance, Retention, Credit Accumulation, Completion)

10. 10 Characteristics of Effective Partnerships 6.Focus Attention on Alignment of Academic Instruction and Content 7.Provide Accessible, Proactive and Comprehensive Student Support Services (social, emotional, financial aid, advising career services, transfer support, etc.) 8.Engage Multiple Individuals from Across Both Organizations 9.Sustain Over Time and Evolve Over Time 10. Listen to and Respond to Student Voice

11. 11 What to Look for in Selecting Partners – (If You Have Options) or Or What to Develop with Partners (If You Have One Option)  Real evidence of a strong and consistent commitment at all levels of the institution for working with non-traditional students  Degree and credential programs that effectively relate to student interests, respond to labor market trends, and include strong connections w/ employers  Track record of success (data indicates high retention, job placement and advancement rates for students in specific degree/credential programs within high-demand career fields)  Readily accessible social, emotional, academic, financial aid and career/transfer support services/staff members (dedicated staff members to work with YB graduates)  Innovative teaching & learning practices

12. 12 Getting Started: Building Relationships with Postsecondary Stakeholders  Visit campus and approach staff/faculty in person (verses initially reaching out via calls and emails)  Arrive armed with clear vision and a list of targeted questions, requests, and commitments  Invite postsecondary staff and faculty to your YouthBuild program.  Include students in the conversations  Build PSE relationships across levels of the institution  Ask for personal introductions to other key postsecondary staff and/or faculty  Pith the value of YouthBuild and YB grads

13. 13 Tips to Create a Successful MOU – (See MOU Toolkit – online at Community of Practice)  Highlight goals and mission of both parties  Explicitly state objectives of partnership  Recognize intended outcomes of partnership  Identify specifics of target audience served by partnership  Describe roles/responsibilities of each partner org/institution  State the duration and timeline for reviewing agreement  Require names and signatures

14. 14 Partnerships Levels – From JFF Partnership Guide Better SignalingBlurring of BoundariesBlending Mentoring/Tutoring for Students in PSE Dual Credit for Some Selected Students Dual Credit for All Students Information and Guidance regarding PSE Processes, Financial Aid, Admissions, Etc. Data Sharing Provides Some Feedback on Postsecondary Performance Data Sharing Arrangements to Fully Understand Student Experience & Progression Postsecondary Visits During YB Program After-school and summer courses on PSE Campus and Some Access to Space/Facilities On Campus College Success Programming and Co-Location Agreements for Staff Test Prep and Access for PSE Admission (COMPASS, ACCUPLACER, etc). Early College Placement Testing and Results to Influence Instruction Coherent and Aligned Curriculum Promotes Accelerated Credential Attainment for Students

15. 15 Partnership Questions to Consider  Where do you stand in terms of selecting postsecondary partner(s)?  What have been your biggest challenges in establishing a partnership arrangement that supports your students successful transition to and through PSE?  What evidence/practices have you been considering in terms of selecting postsecondary partner(s)?  What are the most important roles/responsibilities for a current/potential postsecondary partner to play in supporting your students in attaining postsecondary credentials?  What are your priorities for improving/developing your postsecondary partnership(s) moving forward?

16. 16 Partnership Role-Play Activity  Pitching the YouthBuild value for the partnership  Understanding the postsecondary perspective  Responding to context, resources and challenges  Starting with small but actionable commitments  Turning commitments into momentum

17. 17 Effective Transition & Ongoing Support Services  Expanded staffing capacity for transition and graduate support  Early and consistent exposure to postsecondary settings (tours, visits, class shadows, speakers, and workshops)  Academic advising, financial-aid support, and full range of counseling and guidance services (sending and receiving)  financial-aid includes ed-awards, IDA’s, scholarships, grants, loans, incentives, emergency supports, & financial literacy  See Financial Aid Tip Sheet (on community of practice)  Alumni support models for positive peer interactions to improve transition and retention

18. 18 Transition and Ongoing Supports for Students in Postsecondary Settings  Cohort Models are Promising for Supporting Students/Graduates Through Postsecondary Completion  Dual Credit Opportunities and Bridge Programs Improve Transitions  Respond to Students’ Perspective on Impact of Support Systems  Transportation, Childcare, Living Expenses as Common Barriers to Completion  Co-location – Having Space for YB Staff on Campus Improves Support  Your Experiences Developing and Delivering Graduate Support Systems

19. 19 Transition & Ongoing Student Support Questions  How are you currently handling staffing commitments for providing follow-up support for graduates? How are you or how do you plan to work with postsecondary partners to provide shared services around counseling, academic advising and financial aid? (consider existing arrangements, cost implications, challenges and advantages).  Do you have experience or interests in creating co-location agreements with postsecondary institutions? (YouthBuild program staff co-located at postsecondary institutions for offices and space to meet with YB graduates and/or other student activities conducted at postsecondary institutions).  Are you engaging students and graduates to support the transition needs of their peers? (Peer-support agreements – consider student cohort group arrangements, alumni groups as recognized campus groups, and peer mentoring efforts).  What are your priority needs/plans for improving graduate support services?

20. 20 Report Out and Next Steps  Your Priorities and Your Needs for Improving this Work  Resources to Support the Work  Questions, Commitments and Next Steps  Contact: Scott Emerick – semerick@youthbuild.org