Casey Family Programs

Continuing Education and Job Training (CEJT)

Mission/Purpose: To provide financial assistance and program support to Casey youth in postsecondary education (community college, university, or graduate school) or vocational training (technical college, vocational, entrepreneurship, or apprenticeship programs).

Target Population: Casey youth in long-term foster care who meet several eligibility requirements, including being a student of “good standing” in the institution where he or she is enrolled and being a full time student as defined by the postsecondary program or institution.

Description: Continuing Education and Job Training (CEJT) is an internal Casey program that provides three-part support: a scholarship grant, continued living and health-related support, and case management and oversight. All three components are meant to assist eligible youth in gaining the skills, education and training to be self-sufficient adults. Tuition and financial support for college-related expenses, and, to a lesser extent, personal and academic support are available to youth already in postsecondary education and training through this program.

CEJT youth work closely with a caseworker to follow a stated series of steps for participation. These include preparation for postsecondary education during high school, a formal application process, and acceptance into the postsecondary institution to which they have applied. Youth maintain a relationship with either a social worker or a transition specialist. Counseling and mentoring support are provided by phone and email, on campus, and at the office. CEJT youth are expected to complete a postsecondary education or training program to obtain gainful employment as a result.

Transition Services

Casey Transition services are focused on assisting youth who were in foster care with Casey Family Programs for at least twelve consecutive months, to become independent adults. These services include educational assistance (college preparation and alternative education or GED/high school completion), employment assistance (resume building and writing) and life skills training (money management, health resources, legal skills, housing resources, transportation, personal appearance and the use of community resources). Youth, along with their case manager, develop a Transition Assessment and Service Plan every six months that address their short and long-term goals, as well as those tasks they need to complete to move successfully towards these goals. With the TASP a budget is developed, and each youth receives a stipend appropriate to his or her circumstances, to aid in the movement towards self-sufficiency.

Click on the following link for additional information about Casey Family Programs.