“The Youth Development Division (YDD) awarded Looking Glass a grant that provides funding for Reengagement services for youth enrolled in our Riverfront School and our Adjudicated Youth Services (AYS) School. Reengagement services are focused on providing young adults with support and access to education, with the goals of eliminating barriers to completing high school and finding a career path or entering post-secondary education.
Looking Glass takes a proactive approach to assure services are sensitive and responsive to culturally diverse populations. Our programs offer innovative pathways to a high school diploma or GED, credit recovery, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming, paid/unpaid work experiences, mentorship/apprenticeship, training/certification courses, case management, resource linkages, basic needs support, and financial asset development.
Shannon working with a student on their job shadow opportunities.
Riverfront School Reengagement Specialist, Shannon Grosse, has been working with over 20 students to identify barriers and create individualized plans for staying in school, graduating, and transitioning to higher education or employment. Some of this work consists of assisting student to apply for financial aid, connecting students to resources both within Looking Glass beyond the agency, registering students for job shadows or college tours, and meeting basic needs so students can be successful. Guardians are encouraged to participate in developing student’s plans and to provide additional support outside of school.
Shannon says, “The main impact of the services is being able to support students with an individualized plan for completing high school, addressing immediate needs, and planning for post-graduation. We take a holistic approach with students to address education, college and career, mental health and other needs they present.”
Educational outcomes are improved when students have access to culturally responsive and inclusive classrooms which have individualized instruction, small class size, flexible schedules, and caring teacher-student relationships. Providing work-based activities, including work experience and job training, helps disengaged youth to equitably compete for employment.
Additionally, this grant has allowed us to purchase GED software to help students prepare for testing, test vouchers to pay for GED exams, required identification, gas cards, and other support services students need to be successful. The grant has provided funds for our schools to support students in ways that have the most impact.
The AYS Principal, Ben Molin, was able to meet with the division that awarded the grant to Looking Glass. “Meeting with the YDD team showed us how dedicated they are to student reengagement. This funding will be instrumental for our AYS classrooms in terms of helping students get back on track academically, whether that be through credit recovery or taking the GED route. YDD obtains important data about what works with at-risk youth, and AYS students continue to reengage in their education. It’s win-win situation for everyone involved.”
– Ben Molin, Education Supervisor/Principal of Residential Programs, Special Education Coordinator and Case Manager”