How It Works

Equip yourself with the education, skills, and support needed for the jump into adulthood.

connectED serves people ages 16 to 23 within Bexar County who have had experience in foster care, even if reunification or adoption occurred.

We know that becoming an adult is hard and the transition into this new chapter of your life can have its challenges. We are here to make the change easier for you! We’ll support you in learning and practicing positive relationship skills and pursuing and keeping employment that you like so that you can have a strong foundation for the next phase of your life.

Group of teens / young adults meeting at a table

Get paid to learn

Earn a total stipend of $880 by participating in Phase 1 (Skill Development) and Phase 2 (Advocacy Support).

Transportation provided

Need a ride? No problem! We can provide transportation to and from class.

Program Benefits

Career guidance and planning
Relationship-oriented Advocacy
Peer collaboration
Employment coaching
Financial literacy improvement

Mentorship
1:1 support from Advocate
Self-confidence strengthening
Relationship strengthening
Weekly stipend and gift cards

What our youth are saying

“Advocacy gave me a lot of helpful tools like where to find jobs, and how to make resumes, and how to do things. My favorite task was exploring what jobs were best for me. I learned that I am creative and do my best work when I am around others.”

Track 3 participant, completed Phase 2, and currently in Phase 3 of connectED

“It’s nice to see how we are all going through things and now I know that trauma doesn’t define who I am but rather, how I handle my trauma and move past it.”

Track 2 participant

"I really enjoyed working with my advocate. It felt good to have someone check on me and see how I was doing."

Track 1 participant, completed Phase 2, and now in Phase 3

“While initially hesitant on attending this workshop I quickly felt this space was open and welcoming. After experiencing a rather toxic relationship this workshop gave me perspective on my situation.”

Track 2 participant

"I feel my experience with advocacy went pretty well and feel it was helpful. My favorite task was researching different drivers education programs because I would not have done it on my own."

Track 2 participant, currently in Phase 2

Start the enrollment process

Enrollment

We have partnered with UTSA to do a study of our program. All youth are eligible to start workshops once enrolled.

Start now!

Program Overview

Skill Development

The first phase of connectED focuses on skill development and is delivered through in-person workshops taught by our connectED Facilitators. Our facilitators offer expertise in healthy relationship development and in trauma-informed intervention, where they create a safe space to learn and be yourself. Each of our workshops is perfectly curated to help you with various components that make up your future.

This phase of our program can last one to three weeks, depending on how many workshops you choose to take. Each week that you participate, you will earn up to a $220 stipend. Daily meals are offered for each workshop session – you have the option to choose your meal from a variety of local San Antonio restaurants. You will also receive a goodie bag with all your workshop materials, a weighted blanket, a large reusable water bottle, and various snacks.

connectED Associate Program Director Andrea shares the skills you will develop through our workshop offerings.

Workshop offerings

Love Notes

Learn about healthy relationships, effective communication, relationship success and how your personality traits play a big role in the way we communicate. In this workshop we cover relationship strengths/ weaknesses as well as self-confidence.

ConnectED team member sitting behind a table with outreach materials

Advocacy Support

This phase of connectED focuses on your individual needs, career coaching and planning, or establishing career goals based on what you’re looking for. During Advocacy Support you will have daily contact with a connectED Advocate who will help ensure that you are moving forward and meeting your goals. connectED Advocates mold the tasks to your goals and what you need.

Advocates use Kuder Career Planning to help you find meaningful employment and/or find a fulfilling career that you love. Advocates also offer support in guiding you towards overcoming any challenges.

Advocacy support covers a four-week period (one month). You will earn a stipend of $660 for your participation over the first three weeks. The curriculum includes career and financial planning tools.

Continued Mentorship

This phase of connectED provides you with peer support groups and events. The events are hosted by connectED and other partners. We cover topics that are relevant to the real-life challenges you may be facing.

connectED works in collaboration with Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU) to offer presentations on how to open bank accounts, how to manage credit cards, how to build good credit, and Saving and Investing. Other events include topics on how to find housing and how to communicate with partners.

After completing your advocacy support period you will continue to meet once a month with your advocate and participate in group peer support. This phase lasts for 10 months.

Group of teens laughing and working on laptops at a shared table

Group of teens on a rooftop, looking out over the city

Support as Needed

During your final phase of connectED, monthly meetings are no longer required. Your Advocate is available to meet with you as needed and will help you navigate school, applying for jobs, utilizing resources, and more. You are also invited to participate in monthly peer support groups to connect with other youth in the program and discuss issues relevant to you! This phase is ongoing and lasts until your 24th birthday.

Ready to start living your best life? Let's talk!

Start the enrollment process