leveraging community partnerships to break barriers to college access
TRANSCRIPT
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 1st 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 ServicesSan Antonio Transition Center
Kelli Rhodes, MBA
Kerri Rhodes, MAlt.
Restore Education