Education Initiatives
Education Initiatives
Recognizing the important role that career planning and higher education play in helping youth in care make a successful transition to self-sufficiency, Commissioner Gladys Carrión established an interagency committee in 2007 to develop strategies for increasing the number of youth in care who enter college or vocational training and successfully complete their post secondary education. The committee includes representatives from local social services districts, voluntary agencies, the Adolescent Services Resource Network (ASRN), Youth In Progress (YIP), the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA), CUNY Office of Academic Affairs, Foster Care to Success (formerly known as OFA), Supportive Service Programs such as Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), the Department of Labor, Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) (formerly known as VESID), the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), Job Corps, and the NYS Permanent Judicial Commission.
Over the years the Education Committee has expanded upon critical partnerships and has developed a number of strategies and initiatives to improve educational outcomes for youth in care. These initiatives/strategies are highlighted in the Summary Report on OCFS Higher Education Initiatives dated December, 2009.
In 2010/2011 the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), awarded OCFS a College Access Challenge Grant (CACG). The intended outcome of the grant was to increase the number of youth in care who are prepared to enter and succeed in college. OCFS partnered with the SUNY Albany Professional Development Program to develop a three pronged approach which targeted youth, caseworkers and college residential life staff. Strategies included educational forums, a youth ambassador program, printed materials and videos.
- The education forums address the issues and needs of youth in care as they prepare for the college application process. For information on Education Forums in your area contact Erika Leveillee at (518) 956-7884 or eleveill@pdp.albany.edu.
Pathways to College - The Youth Ambassadors (youth who previously lived or currently live in out-of-home care) conduct workshops for foster and juvenile justice youth around the state on college preparation educating youth on how to make college a reality.
Do You Want to go to College
- Information on the printed materials and videos can be found at www.Gocollegeny.org
During 2011/2012, OCFS was awarded funding under the CACG Program for a second year. OCFS will continue to partner with the Professional Development Program. Strategies for Year 2 will include education forums and the youth ambassador program. In addition, youth in care around the state will have the opportunity to visit college campuses, a Handbook for caseworkers will be developed and the NYS and NYC Education Directory will be expanded upon to include additional resources.
Additional Information:
For more information on the Youth Ambassador Program contact Osei Agyeman, Youth Ambassador Coordinator at (518) 956-7893, or e-mail at oagyeman@pdp.albany.edu.
For information on other activities under the CACG Program, contact Valerie Tomeck at 518-473-4449 or e-mail at Valerie.tomeck@ocfs.state.ny.us.
