1.2.5 Education Navigators

1.2.5.1 Adult Education Navigators

1.2.5.2 Youth education Navigators

1.2.5.1 Adult Education Navigators

All W-2 agencies should have a staff member who performs the role of an Adult Education Navigator.

The role of the Adult Education Navigator is to support W-2 Adults in their participation in educational programs and activities.

The Adult Education Navigator will perform these primary functions:

·        Assess W-2 Adults and place them on a fitting education track.

·        Help W-2 Adults navigate enrollment processes, which can include, but is not limited to:

·        Registration;

·        Orientation sessions;

·        Providing enrollment documentation like transcripts and TABE scores; and

·        Overcoming pre-enrollment barriers.

·        Coordinate and collaborate with available local resources and programs.

·        Help W-2 Adults access Supportive Services, which can include, but is not limited to:

·        Basic school supplies (e.g., notebooks, folders, pencils);

·        Technology (e.g., laptop or tablet);

·        Mobile internet or a hotspot;

·        Transportation assistance;

·        Clothing;

·        Home school materials (e.g., desk, lamp, chair, headphones);

·        Educational extra-curricular activities (e.g., forensics, financial literacy, field trips);

·        Graduation expenses (e.g., cap and gown); and

·        Other educational expenses approved by the state.

·        Establish and maintain outreach methods to W-2 Adults enrolled in educational programs to monitor progress, address barriers, and sustain motivation.

·        Distribute education attainment incentives (e.g., gift cards).

·        Act as a resource and liaison for adult education opportunities and needs of the participant. This can include, but is not limited to:

·        Assistance enrolling into a technical college;

·        Finding and applying for grants and scholarships; and

·        Navigating the education system.

1.2.5.2 Youth Education Navigators

All W-2 agencies should have a staff member who performs the role of a Youth Education Navigator.

The role of the Youth Education Navigator is to support the children of W-2 participants in their participation with educational programs and activities.

The Youth Education Navigator will perform these primary functions:

·        Provide support for educational progress and attainment by assisting youth overcome barriers to academic success.

·        Develop and maintain connections with schools and educational programs, while evaluating the growth and needs of the program.

·        Identify and perform services to address the specific needs of youth, which can include, but is not limited to:

·        Assist with re-enrolling in a local school if they have dropped out or moved;

·        Identify alternative educational options for students outside of the public school system;

·        Assist with enrolling and completing GED or HSED, if appropriate;

·        Find suitable childcare options for youth that are parents; and

·        Enhance positive behavior by mediating disputes and encouraging healthy social skills.

·        Connect youth with resources to assist with vocational training, college, technical school, or employment opportunities.

·        Assist youth with referrals to additional services to enrich and improve life skills.

·        Help youth access Supportive Services, which can include, but is not limited to:

·        Basic school supplies (e.g., notebooks, folders, pencils);

·        Technology (e.g., laptop, tablet);

·        Mobile internet or a hotspot;

·        Transportation assistance;

·        Clothing;

·        Home school materials (e.g., desk, lamp, chair, headphones);

·        Educational extra-curricular activities (e.g., forensics, financial literacy, field trips);

·        Graduation expense (e.g., cap and gown); and

·        Other educational expenses approved by the state.

·        Establish and maintain connection with youth to monitor progress, facilitate success, and maintain motivation.

History: Release 25-04.