1.2.5 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.