Website Resources

The World Wide Web has a wealth of wonderful resources for parents and youth.  Below are a few that may be helpful. You may be familiar with some of these resources and some may be new to you.

 

The Center for the Improvement of Student Learning (CISL) reviews and shares educational research, creates instructional tools and develops policy recommendations that promote best practices to help educators, parents and community leaders build partnerships that improve schools, engage families and increase student learning and development. Check it out at www.k12.wa.us/CISL.

 

Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO) promotes equity in education and the academic success of all students attending elementary and secondary public schools in Washington. They can be reached at www.governor.wa.gov.oeo. Their mission is to do the following:

·       Provide information to students, families, and communities regarding the school system

·       Promote family and community involvement in education

·       Help resolve conflict between families and schools

·       Provide policymakers with recommendations to improve the education system


Washington PAVE is a parent directed organization that works with families, individuals with disabilities, professionals and community members in all walks of life and with all types of disabilities. Their website, www.wapave.org, provides information on available services, programs, events and contact information for assistance.


GEAR UP stands for Giving Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. This grant program is designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Check with your local school to see if GEAR UP is available and if your youth qualifies for this program. The national website is: www.ed.gov/gearup.


Running Start It is intended to provide students a program option consisting of attendance at certain institutions of higher education and the simultaneous earning of high school and college/university credit. The program is available to eleventh and twelfth grade students and has minimal eligibility and procedural requirements. For more information check out the website: www.k12.wa.us/RunningStart/default.aspx


TECH PREP is an innovative and integral part of the education which includes more technical training, applied academics and opportunities mentoring and internships in the workplace. Students may receive college credit for approved high school courses; for more information check out their website: www.techprep.wa.org. Also check out (button name) for a link to local information.


Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16 through 24 improve the quality of their lives through career technical and academic training. In addition to career training, they also provide academic training, including basic reading and math. Students who don't already have a high school diploma can enroll in their GED/high school program. Courses in independent living, employability skills, and social skills are also offered to help students transition into the workplace. Unlike traditional school, Job Corps runs year round. For more information their website is: www.jobcorps.org.


AmeriCorps is an opportunity to make a difference in your life and in the lives of those around you. It’s a chance to apply your skills and ideals toward helping others and meeting critical needs in the community. Full-time members who complete their service earn a Segal AneriCorps Education Award of $4,725 to pay for college, graduate school or to pay back student loans; members who serve part-time receive a partial Award. For more information check out their website: www.americorps.gov.

 

GET (Guaranteed Education Tuition) program is Washington's 529 prepaid college tuition plan. With GET, you prepay for your child's college tuition today. Your account is guaranteed to keep pace with college tuition and you can use it at nearly any public or private college in the country. For further information go to: www.get.wa.gov


Independence for Foster Youth focuses on the needs of Foster and Kinship Youth as they prepare for post high school education and the world of work. Much of the information is also valid for youth not in Foster Care or Kinship Care. Information on this site, www.independence.wa.gov includes:

·         Jobs

·         Education

·         Financial Aid

·         Housing

·         Budget


Career Bridge is a one-stop, searchable database of education and training programs throughout Washington State where you'll discover:

  • The new home of the state's Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List:
    www.wtb.wa.gov/etp  
  • Average earnings and employment outlook for each career choice
  • Hot jobs for the future
  • What you'll need to learn to get those jobs


Career Voyages was developed by the Departments of Education and Labor. It provides information for students, parents, career advisors and people changing careers. Check it out: http://www.careervoyages.gov

·         Where to start

·         How to qualify for and get a job

·         Where will the demand be

·         Does education pay and how to pay for it