Solid Start Youth Club

FLUX is coming to Seattle!

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 15:58:00 +0000

From College Success Foundation: In partnership with Seattle University, the College Success Foundation is sponsoring a FLUX Training on October, 18^th from 10-6pm at Seattle University.

FLUX is an intensive full day workshop designed by Foster Care Alumni of America (FCAA) to support youth transitioning out of foster care. According to their website, “If you talk to most alumni [of foster care], they will say they were ill prepared to anticipate and strategize for the precarious phase between being a dependent foster youth and a healthy, independent adult.” This workshop imparts young adults from foster care with all of the information more than 100 alumni of care WISH they had known before aging out of care. Learn more about FLUX here.

This will be a great opportunity for students to come together with people who share their background and to develop a common language for processing the transition they are experiencing.

The training can accommodate up to 25 youth (16-24) participants and is fairly costly ($175 per student). The College Success Foundation is able to subsidize the event so that the cost to the colleges per student is just $50 plus travel costs. CSF, SU and FCAA will provide all program materials, lunch and snacks. CPTC should be able to pay for the remaining fees.

Your students can register for the workshop here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FR9H9JC

Exciting News from the Legislative Session

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 17:56:00 +0000

The Washington State Legislative session is nearing a close this March. There have been many issues discussed that can impact Washington state, but two in particular have the ability to directly impact the lives of those young people living in foster care.

The first bill is SB 2126 which calls for all dependents of the State to have representation through a Guardian ad Litem or G.A.L. These positions are court appointed and their job is to represent and advocate the youth in care. Often times the child is too young or unaware of their rights to communicate what they need. This bill would require all youth from care to have a G.A.L present is all court proceedings. This could really shape the lives of so many children in Washington state. Hopefully, children being reunited with their biological families could happen more frequently, and hopefully children would spend less time bouncing around the system. I also hope this bill will keep children from being switched from home to home without cause.

This bill is being pushed through by Pierce County's own Senator Steve O'Ban. It is very exciting that one of our own residents is taking the health and safety of those in care seriously. Great to see this on the floor.

The second bill is HB 2335 which calls for youth in the foster care system at the age of 18 to have the option of extend foster care until age 21. This would need to be something that the young adult agrees to participate in, but it would provide a lot of benefits. Most students that I have worked with can't wait to get out of the foster care system at age 18. They are quick to start living on their own, and with good reason. The system can be cruel and often not working for the betterment of the young people it serves. This bill however, would provide some opportunities for those that choose to participate in it. It would extend medical care, provide case management, continue housing in a foster home and many other items. These resources could provide added stability while a young person is pursing college.

The biggest expense that I see for our students is housing. If housing was already provided through the state, then the extra funds a student may get from financial aid, Passport scholarship or Educational Training Voucher could be used for savings, extra school costs and other needs. It would definitely increase the success rate of the young people that would be pursuing school during the period of 18 to 21.

I hope that both of these bills get approved and that young people in foster care of all ages can be better served by the state to help them become successful adults.

2014 Career Institute

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 00:14:00 +0000

I recently came across this exciting event for students who are coming from the foster care system. Here is the agenda I have found and here is some information about it:

The Career Institute only happens once a year. Don’t miss out!

Learn how to ignite your potential, beat out the competition and break through the barriers to succeed in your career.
Connect and network with top Puget Sound employer partners from a variety of fields who are looking for candidates like YOU.
Reconnect with your CSF Scholar and Alumni friends and build new relationships for your future.

When: Saturday April 5, 2014 | 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Where: Microsoft Campus (Redmond), Conference Center
Register now for the 8th Annual Career Institute at Microsoft. Space is limited so reserve your spot today!

Medicaid to 26

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 19:06:00 +0000

I just got an email about a new change that Washington has made for the new year. Starting January 1, all youth who have been in care are able to re-enroll into Medicaid for medical coverage until the age of 26. Here are the details

Medicaid To 26

Beginning January 1, 2014, former foster youth may be eligible for continued Medicaid benefits until their 26^th birthday!!!

Am I eligible? (You must be able to answer “YES” to both of the statements below)

1. I am currently in foster care or other eligible out-of-home placement and under age 21.

2. On July 22, 2007, I was in foster care or other eligible out-of-home placement under the responsibility of DSHS or a federally recognized tribe within Washington State.

“Other eligible out-of-home placements” include:

ü Licensed foster and relative care

ü Tribal foster care

ü ICPC foster care in Washington State

ü Dependency Guardianships established prior to June 2010

ü Other foster care (unlicensed, court ordered placements)

Note: Youth in the Adoption Support program are not eligible for Medicaid under this benefit.

What else do I need to know?

§ If you turned 21 years of age before January 1, 2014, you could be eligible for Medicaid until your 26^th birthday. Contact the Foster Care Medical Team (FCMT) to see if you are eligible. DO NOT apply for medical coverage (Medicaid) through the www.healthplanfinder.gov website.

§ On your 21^st birthday, the FCMT will automatically enroll you into a Medicaid managed care plan. You may contact the FCMT if you want to change to a different plan.

§ Ensure the Foster Care Medical Team always has your correct mailing address!!

§ This benefit is for Medicaid eligibility only. You must apply for TANF and food assistance at your local Community Services Office.

§ KEEP your ProviderOne Services Card – you do not need a new card or ProviderOne number to be eligible for this program.

§ If your Medicaid eligibility is interrupted because you are in jail or detention, or if you are enrolled in Pregnancy Medical, contact the FCMT to see if you are still eligible for the Medicaid to 26 program.

What if I have questions or I lose my ProviderOne Services Card?

Call the Foster Care Medical Team (FCMT) using the following directions:

The phone system is very sensitive so make sure there isn’t a lot of noise around you.

1. Dial: 1-800-562-3022 - Extension 15480 (do not dial the extension until prompted)

2. Stay on the line.

3. Say, “Dial” when the system asks you if you have an extension.

4. When the system asks if you are a “client, provider, or other.” DO NOT respond to this question; just press “3” on your phone.

5. The system will say it is transferring you and then ask you to dial the extension number.

6. Dial the FCMT extension number - 15480.

The FCMT uses interpreter services when needed. These instructions also apply to non-English speaking youth.

Washington State Opportunity Scholarship

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 18:24:00 +0000

There is a new scholarship opportunity for those students who are pursuing the STEM field - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. If you are in of those programs at CPTC you should click here to see if you meet the requirements. Deadline for applications is February 24th, 2014. Again, click here for the site.

Eligibility requirements from their website:

Must be a Washington state resident (as defined in RCW 28B.15.012)
Must have earned a high school diploma or GED from a Washington state high school or institution by June 2014.
Must be enrolling in an eligible Washington state college or university fall term 2014.
Must be pursuing an eligible high-demand major (by alphabet; by category) in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) or health care.
Must be working toward a first bachelor’s degree, (i.e. four-year degree).
Must be enrolling as a first-year college student, as a sophomore or as a first term junior fall 2014.
Must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) through fall quarter or semester 2013 of at least 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale).
Must submit the 2014-15 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov by February 24, 2014.
Must apply for Federal Education tax credits if eligible.
Must have a family income (adjusted gross income plus all untaxed income) less than or equal to 125% of Washington state median family income. (Note: Unless you qualified to submit the FAFSA as an independent student, the family income amounts are those reported by your parent(s) on your 2014-2015 FAFSA).

2014 Pep Talk from Josh Shipp

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 19:12:00 +0000

Rachel Cruze

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 17:28:00 +0000

I just found this great new site to help college students handle the challenge of money while they are in school. This has been in my experience the number one source of stress for students that I work with. Students are always wondering when their loans will be in, if they get extra grant money this quarter, i f they have enough for books, or how they will pay the rent. This site has some nice tips about how to stay on a budget, say no to unnecessary purchases and reduce that money stress so you can focus on your school work.

Money Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Tue, 03 Sep 2013 18:11:00 +0000

Here is a link to a great read on how to stay on top of your money needs while you are in school. Enjoy

Do you have a Mentor?

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 18:29:00 +0000

I recently came across a study conducted by Child Trends that had some nice findings on the role and significance of mentors in the lives of young people. The summary of the study is below:

"Child Trends conducted a synthesis of experimental evaluations of 19 mentoring programs for children and youth, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, to determine how frequently these programs work to improve such outcomes as education, mental health, peer and parent relationships, and behavior problems, and what lessons can be learned to improve outcomes. Mentoring “is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the mentee”. While parents fill this role for most children, some children find themselves without such a relationship. In fact, it is estimated that 20 percent of youth do not have caring adults in their lives—representing 8.5 million youth. Even children who have a positive caring relationship with an adult can benefit from additional positive relationships."

Elsewhere it stated: "Research finds that positive relationships are important for children and youth. Based on the findings of this synthesis, a variety of approaches that incorporate mentoring can be effective."

Check out this video from Josh Shipp, a former foster youth that talks about the role of mentors in his life and the young people he works with.

Start Saving

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 17:19:00 +0000

Here is an article I came across that details the important role of saving for college. I realize that many of those who are in care may not come into college with a lot of money, but the article still made me think about how it is so important to plan ahead when it comes to your school costs. It is vital to save the grant money you do get. You want to make sure you have enough money for you tuition, tools, books and other costs for school. But, the best plan is to save as much as you can while you are in school so you can use the Passport scholarship, Governor's scholarship, ETV, Worker Retraining or other funding you get for living. The money can go a long way, but you don't want to go wild on your living expenses. Get a cheap phone, take the bus, find a room mate to share your housing costs with. All of the cost cutting steps you make for the quarter will add up and you should be able to avoid taking out a student loan. Remember to see me if you have needs with a bus pass, food, school supplies, or access to common books. Let me know if you want help planning out a budget.

Local Teen Goes to College

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:30:00 +0000

Here is an article printed recently that profiles a local high school student that grew up in and out of care. I realize her story is similar to yours in many ways. I found her story encouraging in that she was able to overcome long odds and difficult situations to graduate high school and make plans for college. I realize that you have done the same thing. You have overcome so much, you have beaten the odds. Now, do something remarkable, graduate college. I am proud of you.

2013 Foster Youth and Alumni Summit

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 17:46:00 +0000

Here is an event I just heard about from the Mocking Bird Society. It is the 2013 Annual Foster Youth & Alumni Leadership Summit. It is a three-day skill-building conference, designed to help current and former foster youth build and sustain Mockingbird Youth Network Chapters across the state. Network Chapters empower current and former foster youth to use their voices and unique perspectives to create change in their lives and in the larger foster care system. Participants come from across the state Youth and alumni of foster care ages 13 to 25 are encouraged to apply to be a part of this one of a kind experience.

If you are interested check out the page here, or go directly to the sign up here.

Summer Internship Opportunity

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:33:00 +0000

I just came across this great internship opportunity for interested students. It is a summer internship and the folks at Casey Family Programs have set this up through an agency called Invesco. It sounds like a great way to enhance your existing skills and potentially build your resume for the future.

If you are interested in applying you need to do the following steps:
1 - Click the link to be taken to the Invesco website
2 - Click "Advanced Search" on the home page
3 - Under "Keywords" enter the word "internship"
4 - Scroll down and click "Search for Jobs"

If you find one that your are interested in, click on the title and apply for it online. This could be a great opportunity. Also note, that not all of the positions are local to Washington, so it may be hard if your program is going through the summer.

Alex Chivescu

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 22:45:00 +0000

I recently came across the story of Alex Chivescu. He is a remarkable young man and a foster kid. He spent time in care due to an injury his mother received from a car accident. His dad was never in the picture. After being in care for a few years, he was going to have to leave his school district, so instead of transferring schools again, he recruited his own foster parents. He is now attending college at Harvard. You can read his story here and here. They made a movie about his life that you can learn about here.

2013 Graniger Scholarship

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:35:00 +0000

Grainger has a $2,000 scholarship opportunity for two of our students in the HVAC, Electronics, Construction, Automotive, Welding, Sustainable Building Energy or Aviation Maintenance programs.

Deadlines for completed applications are due to the Advising and Counseling office by March 21st 2013. In addition to the two $2,000 scholarships students will also receive a tool kit when they successfully graduate from the program.

Requirements:

Must be a US citizen or legal resident
Student must be full time enrolled with 12 credits or more
Student must be in the final year &/or graduating in 2014
Student must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
Student must be enrolled in one of the following programs; HVAC, Electronics, Construction, Automotive, Welding, Sustainable Building Energy and Aviation Maintenance.

Application Criteria:

Letter of recommendation from Instructor, Advisor or Military Supervisor
List of clubs, activities, accomplishments, leadership roles held & how long
Essay of 200-300 words
Completed application
Copy of transcript showing GPA in application as proof of grade

For more information pick up a flyer in the Veteran's Resource Center or check out the website here.

Seattle Transfer Fair - UPDATE

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 18:31:00 +0000

This past month I posted about the transfer fair that the University of Washington and Seattle University were holding on February 7th and 8th. They have since updated the dates to allow more students to attend. It is now March 7th and 8th.

Please stop by my office for the application or contact Melissa Raap at 206-303-9062 for more information or email her at uwchamps@uw.edu.

Youth Advocacy Day

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 19:16:00 +0000

Who?

Youth and young adults impacted by foster care and homelessness, and their supporters.

What?

Bringing together youth and young adults impacted by foster care and homelessness to advocate our elected leaders to support youth-inspired solutions.

When?

Friday, February 22, 2013 9am to 2pm

Where?

Tivoli Fountain, Capitol Campus, Olympia, Washington

Why?

Our elected leaders need to hear from you in order to ensure that laws and policies are informed by the youth and young adults they impact.

Click here to Register for this event.

Seattle Transfer Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 18:16:00 +0000

The University of Washington and Seattle University are holding their 3rd Annual Transfer Connection. It is a two day event, held on February 7th and 8th, designed to introduce potential transfer students to the Seattle colleges that have been a part of the foster care system. Students will have the opportunity to sit in on classes, tour each campus, learn about the Champions and Fostering Scholars program, meet current students and learn about the process of transferring to our respective schools.

The deadline for this application is Friday, February 1st. Stop by my office for the application or contact Melissa Raap at 206-303-9062 for more information or email her at uwchamps@uw.edu for more information.

Josh Shipp shares his Story

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 19:08:00 +0000

Washington State Opportunity Scholarship

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 18:05:00 +0000

I just heard about a new scholarship that may be of interest. It is called the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship. From their website:

"The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship helps low- and middle-income Washington State residents earn first bachelor’s degrees. More than 750 scholarships will be awarded to new students who will be college freshmen, sophomores or juniors fall of the 2013-14 academic year. These students will receive $1,000 renewable scholarship each year, (provided they continue to meet the renewal criteria), to help in their pursuit of four-year degrees in the following eligible high demand programs of study: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) or Health Care."

Check out there site for details and application deadline information. Enjoy!

CPTC Foundation Scholarship

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 19:23:00 +0000

The CPTC Foundation is doing another round of scholarships for Spring quarter. You can find information on the foundation website here. You will need to complete your application, including all attachments, by the 23rd of January 2013.

Programs eligible for Scholarships:
Accounting
Aerospace Composite
Architectural Engineering
Automotive
Aviation Maintenance
Business Support Services
CNISS
Computer Information
Cosmetology
Culinary Arts
Early Care and Education
Electrician Low Voltage Fire/Security
Environmental Science
Esthetics
Graphic Technologies
Interior Design
Manufacturing Technologies
Massage
Media Design
Professional Pilot

It's FAFSA Time

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 22:40:00 +0000

Now is the time to get your 2013 - 2014 Financial Aid application submitted for the upcoming school year. Mostly likely you have already done this application before, so doing the renewal should be even easier. But, if you want some help getting it in let me know and we can set up a time to submit it together. Here is the website. Enjoy!

CPTC Foundation Scholarship

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 22:41:00 +0000

The CPTC Foundation is doing another round of scholarships for Winter quarter. You can find information on the foundation website here. You will need to complete your application, including all attachments, by the 17th of October 2012.

Programs eligible for Scholarships:
Accounting
Aerospace Composite
Architectural Engineering
Automotive
Aviation Maintenance
Business Support Services
CNISS
Computer Information
Cosmetology
Culinary Arts
Early Care and Education
Electrician Low Voltage Fire/Security
Environmental Science
Esthetics
Graphic Technologies
Interior Design
Manufacturing Technologies
Massage
Media Design
Professional Pilot

Homeless Scholarship

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 17:38:00 +0000

Hey Friends, check out this information I just received about a scholarship that may be worth looking into. Check it out below:

Give US Your Poor is proud to partner with the Horatio Alger Association in offering college scholarships to homeless, formerly homeless, and at-risk students. The Horatio Alger Association provides approximately 1,000 scholarships each year to eligible students who have overcome adversity in their lives.

For the third year in a row, in partnership with Give US Your Poor, the Association is reaching out directly to students who have experienced homelessness to invite them to apply for their scholarship programs.

The Horatio Alger Association provides scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $20,000. National scholarships are awarded at $20,000. Additional state-specific scholarships are also awarded in various amounts.

Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible to apply, students must meet the following criteria:

Enrollment full-time as a high school senior, progressing normally toward graduation in the Spring/Summer 2013, with plans to enter college no later than the fall following graduation;

A strong commitment to pursuing and completing a bachelor's degree at an accredited institution located in the United States (students may start their studies at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year institution. Idaho, Louisiana, and Montana state scholarship recipients must pursue and complete a degree at specific colleges and universities. Please see the individual program description for those requirements);

Critical financial need ($50,000 or less adjusted gross income per family is preferred, if higher explanation must be provided);

Involvement in co-curricular and community activities;

Demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity;

A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0; and

United States citizenship.

For More Information or to Apply

For more information on this scholarship or to apply, please visit https://www.horatioalger.org/scholarships/index.cfm. For frequently asked questions, visit https://www.horatioalger.org/scholarships/faqs.cfm. If you still have questions about the scholarship application process after reviewing the information on this webpage, please call (866) 763-9228 or email john.mcgah@familyhomelessness.org. The deadline for applications is midnight on October 25, 2012.

Destination Graduation Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor) — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 18:43:00 +0000

Check out this cool post from a alumni of foster care attending classes at a community college in the state. Really great read and I hope that it encourages you to stick with your educational goals. Check it out here.