Our First Year Was A Success
The NOW (Navigate, Opportunity, Worth) program launched in March 2018 to serve foster youth in Northern Virginia communities. The purpose of this program is to support and encourage participants to complete their high school education and to consider and pursue post-secondary education (college, technology, or trade schools). This year-round program provides foster youth with courses in careers and skills, career mentorship once a participant has identified a chosen profession/career, and personal mentorship to assist participants in setting personal and career goals in order to ensure a successful transition into adult life and independence.
The long-term outcome for the program is for each participant to complete their post-secondary education (college, technology, or trade school) with a career path.
2018 Program Outcomes
Participants’ ages
Percentage of youth who participated in the program from March to December
Participants returning in 2019
Youths who graduated high school in 2018
Participants who graduated high school in 2018 and enrolled in college
Total program hours, excluding mentorship and 1-to-1 meetings (March to December)
Total mentorship hours with participants who do not want to pursue post-secondary education
Total mentorship hours with participants who are currently enrolled in post-secondary education
Number of careers/professions introduced in the program. For example, social media marketing, general contracting, and event planning.
Number of hours focused on introducing and/or improving personal and career-focused skills. For example, skills on social/communication, interviewing, and job search.
Total 1-to-1 meeting hours with participants to set short-term goals
16-20
72%
85%
2
2
50
18
9
11
29
22
Career/Profession Mentorship
Participants who have identified a chosen profession/career and will work with a mentor from that profession in 2019
8
(Electrician, Medical Research, IT, Attorney, Social Worker, Preschool Teacher, Fashion Design/Consulting, Kindergarten Teacher)
Volunteering Organizations
We would like to thank the organizations that supported us in 2018 with our mission by either speaking, mentoring, or providing job shadowing opportunities for our foster youth.
ARJ Productions
Best Impressions Inc.
Children's National Health Center
Clarus Merchant Services
Creative Financial Staffing
Custom Ink
DJ Sarah Myers
Fairfax Academy for Communication and the Arts
Fairfax Academy Professional TV Production
Interactive Strategies
MTI Inc.
Office of Career Services, George Mason University
Orion Home Improvements
Peter Bergen - Comic & Actor
Rob Hartman, LLC
Shelly Han Photography
Sheraton Pentagon City
Starbucks
Stephen Campbell
The Office of the Public Defender for Arlington and Falls Church
Theodore Electrical Service