The Youth Program at the Missouri Career Center
The goal of the Youth Program, simply stated, is to make sure at-risk youth have an opportunity to realize their potential and succeed in high school, college and the workplace – thus breaking the cycle of poverty.
The Youth Program at the Missouri Career Center is funded through the Work Force Investment Act, and CAP is a subcontractor through the Northwest Missouri Workforce Investment Board.
The program serves 150 youth who are between the ages of 14 to 21 who live in poverty and have at least one additional barrier to educational and workplace success – including homelessness, teen pregnancy or experiences with the juvenile justice system; barriers can also include students that are at risk for dropping out of high school or have a diagnosed disability. The program helps youth complete their high school education, enroll in college or training programs, and find job opportunities.
Services and Programs provided by the Youth Program at Community Action Partnership:
- Financial assistance for tuition, books and college fees
- Financial assistance or referrals for childcare, and parenting resources
- Car repairs or transportation to and from classes, interviews and appointments
- Housing and rent assistance for homeless students
- Intensive job training and career counseling
- Clothing assistance for career interviews
- Training in the full-range of computer skills needed for college studies and workplace success
- Full support system to ensure the student’s success, together with community partners
This program is open to youth in Andrew, Buchanan, Clinton and DeKalb Counties.
Real Story: Jeffrey
Jeffrey was 16 and homeless. At one time, he lived in his car, and lately moved from “couch to couch,” as he likes to say. He has been involved with the youth program at Community Action Partnership for 3 years. Read Jeffrey’s story.
Movin’ On Up: Navigating the Path to College
Navigating the college entrance process can be a serious challenge for all families. For low-income high school juniors and seniors who may be the first in their family to attend college, the process may be even more difficult.
Movin' On Up can open the door to college by helping students with the college application process, including ACT preparation and testing, applying for college, visiting colleges, and helping with financial aid paperwork. In addition to group and individual help, this program provides for many of the fees associated with application and testing paperwork.
Students who apply for the program attend monthly information sessions with their families to learn about the college entrance process. From the start of their search, through the application and financial aid paperwork, to visiting campuses, Community Action Partnership’s Movin' On Up program is there with one-on-one assistance and financial help for the fees associated with starting a college career.
During the 2009-2010 school year, 29 students completed the program, making the transition from high school to college. Each year, the program sees more St. Joseph students heading to college.
Currently, this program is open to students in St. Joseph.
Real Story: Simone, Business student at Missouri Western State University
Simone is a business student at Missouri Western State University. As a senior at Central High School in St. Joseph, Simone participated in Movin' On Up, a program that helps low-income high school seniors apply to, enroll in, and transition to college.
Because she was the first in her family to attend, her family was not aware of the entire process of applying to both college and financial aid. Through Movin' On Up, Simone and her family were able to get the support they needed for her to begin a successful academic career studying business at Missouri Western State University.
"Movin' On Up helped me get to college and start out on the right foot. The program provided a lot of help, from figuring out housing to how student loans work. I am really glad I had their help. I am loving college. It is so much better than high school!"
