Career Bound (Vocational Program)

The JIT Career Bound Program (formerly Spring into Success) supports youth who are pursuing a GED high school diploma and those who are pursuing vocations. Examples: police work, cosmetology, welding, graphic design, plumbing, and teaching. Secondary needs such as transportation (e.g. bicycle or bus pass) are also addressed and met.

JIT Career Mentors come from a variety of vocations, providing the professional know-how to turn career dreams into reality. There are many needs associated with planning for a career that would be difficult for our youth to manage without the timely support of a caring adult.

Impact: In just three years our Career Bound Program more than tripled in its youth assists. In 2007, JIT received several small public donations to help 10 youth with its first Spring Into ccess program. Every single youth flourished in his/her job or training program. We realized this event was the start of an extraordinary program that would forever change the lives of our foster youth. In 2008, we received a one-time donation enabling us to sponsor 20 former foster youth. In 2009, we received generous grants to enable us to award 33 youth. In 2010, we combined our Career Bound awards with our College Bound program.

Danielle
When I found out the news that I was selected for the Spring for Success, it helped me to become even more motivated to continue school. I felt the responsibility of proving that I could go to school and become a college graduate. Something that would inevitably benefit my lifelong learning.

Cameron
Just in Time helped me by getting on track whether it be physically or mentally. Without all of the great staff and their great personalities and warm hearts, I wouldn’t be able to sustain.

Recruitment—JIT actively recruits high school seniors in the foster care system through our partnerships with numerous community agencies.

Application. To qualify for Spring into Success, a former foster youth must: a) be enrolled in a community college, G.E.D., or vocational program, b) complete a JIT Spring into Success application, c) submit a written essay, and d) provide a letter of recommendation.

Processing and selection. The Program Director scrutinizes the applications to ensure they are complete and then distributes them to members of the selection committee, who independently rate each application and make the final award decision. Based on the recipients’ equipment requests, the Program Director determines the specific resources to be provided. Award. Each spring, JIT awards recipients with the tools they need to succeed in school: vocational tools and school supplies. We meet at a local restaurant to celebrate the youth and their achievements.

Participation in Other JIT Programs. Youth are given an overview of all JIT programs and commit to participate in the Financial Fitness program and the resources of JIT Champions. We monitor youth progress through formal and informal methods.

Evaluation. Follow-up information is solicited from each youth annually via an online survey.