Welcome to Able-Disabled Advocacy’s Career$mart Program for Out-of-School Youth 17-24

Program Overview:

Vocational training consists of 320-460 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction, depending on each youth’s occupational choice. Career pathways include Construction; Information & Communications Technology; Business Services; and Healthcare.

Career$mart’s service strategy includes the delivery of a customized array of innovative and contextualized learning activities that are necessary to enhance youth motivation, engagement, and program completion. A comprehensive array of program activities includes, but is not limited to: Vocational Training; Basic Skills & ESL Upgrading; Substance Abuse Education & Counseling; Mental Health Services; Fundamental Computer Training; Financial Management Training; Housing Assistance; Work Readiness Training; Extensive Postsecondary Preparation; and Job Placement Services.

Professional Certifications Offered:

AFL-CIO’s Multi-Craft Core Curriculum Certification (MC3)
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3)
CompTIA A+
State-Certified Medical Assistant

To help alleviate financial barriers, weekly stipends @ $50/week for 10 weeks of vocational training will be paid to each youth. Youth will also participate in paid work experience following training and will receive bus passes and financial incentives to acknowledge their progress in education and training.

Each youth will receive professional assistance in managing disability issues, resolving legal issues, parenting, HIV, domestic violence, physical abuse and sexual trauma, etc. Case managers will also assist youth with applying for TANF, CalFresh, SSI, County Mental Health and County Medical Services, obtaining financial aid for advanced education and much more.

Career$mart Partners:

Key collaborators include the San Diego Building & Construction Trades Council; the Association of Rehabilitation Programs in Computer Technology; Skillsoft; San Diego County Office of Education Juvenile Court and Community Schools; San Diego Unified School District’s TRACE Program; County of San Diego Department of Probation; State of California Department of Rehabilitation; California College San Diego; University of California San Diego; and numerous other public agencies and community-based organizations.