School Success Month : COMPASS Training Program

COMPASS Training Program

The COMPASS Training Program (CTP) is one of David & Margaret's most unique programs, and one of few programs of its type in California. The CTP takes an individualized approach in supporting the employment and educational goals of the young adult participants. This customized approach allows for each youth to gain the skills they need to be self-sustaining adults, while encouraging them to explore their strengths and interests and apply them to employment and or higher education.

Our Employment and Education Specialist works individually with each young adult meeting them at their level, and providing them with internship placement, case management as well as employment exploration for direct hire opportunities. Throughout the internship, participants are provided paid work experience, 1:1 support, and a curriculum of employment readiness classes tailored to address the needs and barriers inclusive to this population ensuring they are gaining skills that will allow them to not only gain but also retain employment. These courses range from how to make a good first impression, filling out an application, building a resume, and more.

The CTP also emphasizes the importance of higher education and vocational training among young adults and offers academic case management and support. The participants are provided with information for local higher education institutes in the area as well as the programs and benefits they are eligible for. Student Strategy workshops are also provided where participants are given 1:1 assistance in the admissions process, FAFSA completion, college navigation, and as well as tours and guidance on qualifying support programs.

This program provides a variety of opportunities.

Life skills
Assistance completing high school or GED
Industry overviews including career pathways
Overview of steps necessary to enroll in community college
Tutoring
Career mixers
Volunteering opportunities
Access to the education/employment specialist
Access to weekly case management
Linkage to childcare resources
Paid workplace internships in partnership with local businesses
Job-shadowing opportunities
And more

If you are a youth interested in the CTP or know of someone who would benefit from this program, please contact us at COMPASS@davidandmargaret.org.

School Success Month

byEmily McCool

While young adults with a history of foster care earn high school diplomas at similar rates to non-foster peers, less than 2% go on to earn a post-secondary degree compared to 22% of the general population. In the past decade since the introduction of Extended Foster Care, a concerted effort has been made to increase post-secondary degree attainment for transitional age youth. These changes include an escalation of grant money offered to states for supportive programs and services and lowering barriers to receiving federal aid and scholarships. COMPASS Programs has a robust relationship with our local colleges, sharing resources and getting young adults connected to the services they need. In honor of September being School Success Month, COMPASS is highlighting the wonderful programs at the University of La Verne, Mt. SAC, and Citrus College.

The University of La Verne’s Student Outreach and Support (SOS) program is accessible to all students and provides resources, case management, a food pantry, and mental and behavioral support while enrolled. In addition to on-campus resources, SOS assists with accessing off-campus resources to address all aspects of wellness. You can learn more about the SOS program by visiting their website.

The supportive program at Mt. SAC is called REACH, which stands for Reaching, Empowering, Achieving & Completing with Heart. This program is specifically tailored to current and former foster youth and provides priority registration, financial aid assistance, specialized workshops, and social events to meet and interact with peers who have similar experiences. REACH extends beyond campus services by connecting students to additional necessities like affordable housing, MediCal coverage, and CalFresh benefits. By fulfilling basic needs, students can focus their efforts on their education without the extra stress. Check out their webpage for more information!

In 2007, California introduced the Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI), requiring all community colleges in the state to offer supportive services to students with a history of foster care to improve access to resources, retention, academic performance, and degree completion. Citrus College is a part of this initiative, offering on-campus services like financial aid assistance, academic support, and counseling to students. Through the FYSI, students have a network of peers and services that address the barriers that stand in the way of success. To learn more about the FYSI at Citrus College, visit their webpage.

The COMPASS Training program is proud to partner with our local schools to provide supportive services and resources to current and former foster youth. Representatives from Citrus College and Mt. SAC will be presenting at COMPASS Point’s Social Wellness Resource Fair on September 30th from 1-2pm on Zoom where they will be discussing the various social opportunities available to students on campus. To register for the Resource Fair, click here.

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