Program Review Report
Fast Track To Work
Catherine Lachance, Project Manager
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section One – Program Overview ........................................................................ 3
Section Two – Staffing ............................................................................................ 5
Section Three – Committees and Office Location ............................................ 9
Section Four – Services Overview ..................................................................... 10
Section Five – Current FTTW Program, Projects and Grants ..................... 14
Section Six – College Partnerships ................................................................... 17
Section Seven – Budget ........................................................................................ 19
Section Eight – Student Trends.......................................................................... 21
Section Nine – Student Learning Outcomes ................................................... 22
Section Ten – Recommendations ....................................................................... 24
Section Eleven – Conclusion ............................................................................... 26
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SECTION ONE
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
HISTORY
In 1996 President Clinton signed the Welfare Reform Act (WRA) that restricts
federal aid to a five-year maximum limit for each recipient, and mandates work
requirements for the majority of welfare recipients. Some months later, California
put into effect the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids
(CalWORKs or CW) program, which provides cash aid and services to eligible needy
Californians and their families. The program funds services in all 58 California
counties and is operated locally by county welfare departments.
Acknowledging that general and technical education is the best way for welfare
recipients to obtain self-sustaining employment, many California county welfare
departments began working with local community colleges to develop educational
plans designed to train welfare recipients eager for secondary education while they
achieve other criteria necessary for a successful college outcome. Funding was also
made available to students already attending community college programs that met
the mandated criteria. Continued funding for college education was a mainstay of
welfare reform. There was strong evidence that participants who leave college with
a degree or certificate have a significant advantage in acquiring and holding familysustaining employment.
Soon after the signing of the WRA, Cabrillo College administrators and staff began
work on institutionalizing a local program. A steering committee comprised of
officials from Cabrillo College, the Santa Cruz County (SCC) Human Services
Department (HSD), the Workforce Investment Board (WIB/WIA, formally known as
the JTPA), the State Department of Rehabilitation, the County and State EDD, and
other community representatives met monthly to design systems and build policy
and procedural infrastructure necessary to support what was to become Fast Track
To Work (FTTW), which began operations in 1997. Soon after, a national research
company, based in New York City and named the MDRC (originally the Manpower
Demonstration Research Corporation), began an extensive study of Cabrillo’s FTTW
program, which focused national attention on it. From there, countless other
college/county programs across the nation were modeled after the Cabrillo FTTW,
which provided leadership and best practices to similar programs throughout the
country. In addition, FTTW has historically led the way in CALWORKs and WIA
programs throughout California.
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MISSION
The mission of FTTW is to support students in achieving their academic and career
goals, which lead to self-sufficiency by providing intensive support services for
eligible students. FTTW is committed to:
empowering students to manage or eliminate barriers that prevent access to
an education that leads to gainful employment and self-sufficiency
providing intensive support services for students that facilitate the successful
completion of their educational goals and objectives
increasing student retention and improve student prospects in the labor
market
providing consistent, personal, and easily accessible services
helping students develop self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-advocacy
promoting enthusiasm for lifelong learning
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SECTION TWO
STAFFING
FTTW is self-supporting through federal, state, and Santa Cruz County contracts
and grants funds. Since 2008, many attempts to hire new staff to manage services
and the increasing student population have not been approved, due to possible
layoffs in other Cabrillo departments and budget-driven hiring restrictions. In 2010
FTTW contracted to be a full service WIA one-stop by the local WIB, which provided
American Recovery Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds for positions that would
support FTTW’s rapid growth. The funds would have allowed FTTW to hire a
manager and three full-time permanent FTTW Program Specialists. Since the
funding was temporary, only one Program Specialist position was planned for one
year, supplemented by short-term hourly help. FTTW proceeded with the WIA
contract to provide services for an additional 150 students. Also at this time we
experienced an increase of CalSuccess students giving us a total of over 800
students. In 2012, FTTW was again re-organized and staff was downsized to three
permanent classified staff, a part time adjunct Counselor, and a half-time Office
Assistant. Needless to say, the work load appears overwhelming. FTTW is one of
the largest student services programs on campus, and it continues to grow due to
steady unemployment rates in the Tri-County area. Ongoing discussions continue
with Cabrillo administrators on future growth and appropriate service delivery
levels for students.
FTTW/Student Services Project Manager
Catherine Lachance is the current Project Manager for FTTW. She has worked at
the college for 21 years, the last 12 years in FTTW. She holds a B.A. degree in
Business Management and has successfully completed graduate-level coursework
leading to an advanced degree in Education Counseling. She is responsible for the
leadership, management, funding, budgets, and administration of the FTTW
program. She is accountable for staff and program’s daily activities to ensure
student services are in accordance with college policies and the policies of the
agencies that fund FTTW. She works as a district and state liaison for state and
county organizations, including but not limited to the California Community
College Chancellor’s Office CalWORKs program, the Santa Cruz County Human
Services Department, the Santa Cruz County WIB, the California EDD, California
Community College Career Technical Education Teacher Preparation Pipeline
(CTE/TPP), and community business partners and employers. Catherine Lachance
is also the Treasurer for the California Community Colleges CalWORKs
Association, her third two-year term.
Academic Counselor (Adjunct)
Claire Rubach has worked for FTTW for the past 12 years. She completed her B.A.
in Sociology from UCSC and a Masters in Social Work from San Jose State
University. Prior to her employment at Cabrillo College she worked as an academic
counselor in the CalWORKs program at Hartnell College. Her responsibilities
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include academic counseling; education plans; case management; personal and
crisis counseling; referrals to campus and community resources; working with
county on student issues; participation in weekly staff, student case management,
and student retention meetings; and participation at various college advisory and
program meetings.
Program Specialist II
Alicia Hernandez has worked in FTTW for over 12 years. Her responsibilities
include monitoring the CalWORKs Work Study program; verifying student
eligibility; auditing student vouchers for registration fees, books, and supplies.
Alicia Hernandez is responsible for data entry for state reports, problem solving
student issues, and senior budgetary assistance for all FTTW programs. She
attends steering committee meetings, CalWORKs state trainings and contributes to
the CWs Student Services Automated Reporting for Community Colleges (SSARCC)
database pilot project. Alicia Hernandez attends all required county and college
meetings.
Office Specialist
Jennifer Becker’s primary responsibilities include overseeing day-to-day functions
of the FTTW office, and recruitment and enrollment of students into FTTW. She is
responsible for outreach, interactions with various CTE college programs and works
directly with the CW and WIA county line staff. She is responsible for student
intake and orientations, and monitors students’ day-to-day activities and progress.
She is responsible for maintenance and continual auditing of student files to ensure
students are in compliance with the county and state regulations. Jennifer Becker
attends all required county and college meetings.
Office Assistant II
Kate Sandusky’s primary responsibilities are to meet state- and county-required
communications regulations with students by maintaining the FTTW blog and
website. She supports FTTW staff and students and works directly with the WIA
and CW county line staff. She is responsible for student accounts and maintenance
of in-house and state database systems. She monitors the students’ activity reports,
book vouchers, and expenses.
Career Technical Education Program Specialist I
The CTE grant was established in 2007 and continues to be funded today. A
Program Specialist resigned from this position in 2011. Due to budget restrictions,
filling this position with a full-time regular employee has been on hold until further
notice. However, the position has been filled by a part-time, hourly temp since then.
The Program Specialist is responsible for monitoring CTE/TPP student progress,
meeting with Education 80 (EDUC 80) students once a month, setting up student
appointments with the FTTW academic Counselor, keeping track of student and
program files, and working with EDUC 80 instructors to ensure teaching assistant
placements of students at local elementary, ROP, and high schools. This position
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works closely with the FTTW Project Manager to ensure state and federal budget
reports and grant deadlines are met.
Career Technical Education Program Staff
The CTE grant supports two faculty members, Mary Soltis and Kim Sakemoto, who
teach the Education 80 and 120T and 120S courses and one academic counselor,
Eva Acosta. All work with students interested in teaching careers who are part of
the CTE/TPP grant.
Student Employees
FTTW has two student employees who can work up to 19.5 hours per week.
Students work in the front office greeting students and visitors, answering phones
and questions, and setting up appointments with FTTW staff. Due to confidentiality
protections, student employees are not allowed to handle confidential files or sign
on to FTTW’s student data base.
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FAST TRACK TO WORK
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART 2012
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SECTION THREE
COMMITTEES & OFFICE LOCATION
STEERING COMMITTEES
To discuss current contracts, state and federal regulation changes, and procedural
and policy changes FTTW works closely with the SCC HSD and the WIB to host
quarterly steering committee meetings on campus. WIB holds Career Center
meetings twice a year that the FTTW Project Manager attends. Representatives
from Santa Cruz County and WIA attend Student Data and Case-Management
forums every other month hosted by FTTW on college campus. Due to decreased
staff and funding resources, in the last four years, FTTW has moved to increase the
use of conference calling and email between Santa Cruz County representatives and
FTTW staff. FTTW also attends Santa Cruz County Human Services Department
budget meetings twice a year.
CTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS
FTTW staff attend and participate in CTE Advisory meetings. Emphasis is placed
on CTE programs the majority of FTTW students participate in, such as
Accounting, Allied Health (RN,DH,MA, RT), Human Services, Construction &
Energy Management, Education and Early Childhood Education, Computer
Applications & Business Technology, Engineering, Culinary Arts, Digital Media,
and Computer and Information Systems.
STAFF COMMITTEE PARTICIPATION
Student Services Council
Career Center Meetings (Emeline & Watsonville Centers)
CW State Advisory Meetings
CW and WIA State Regional Meetings
CW Chancellor’s office – Task Force committees
WIB annual and bi-annual meetings
CW Association Annual Training Institute
LOCATION and HOURS
The FTTW office is on the Cabrillo College Aptos campus in the Student Activities
Center West (SAC West), Room 110 office space is shared with the CAP Program,
Puente Program, Student Employment Services, and recently FTTW invited the
California EDD and CW’s Employment Training Representatives to rotate their
presence twice a month in the shared office space. FTTW maintains office hours
from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and
Thursday; Tuesday 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., unless otherwise posted.
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SECTION FOUR
SERVICES OVERVIEW
INTAKE AND ORIENTATION
Students who are eligible for FTTW services are referred to our program by a
county CalWORks and WIA Employment Training Specialist (ETS). Upon receipt of
each referral students are scheduled for an individual intake & orientation.
Students meet with FTTW staff, and go over their county or grant program
requirements and regulations. Students are introduced to the FTTW program rules
and regulations, rights and responsibilities, and other staff members. Students are
also introduced to the college, its available resources and are encouraged to become
active in the college community. Each student is given a needs assessment, any
requested referrals, and clarification regarding payment for enrollment fees,
required textbooks, school supplies, and other required tools and materials.
Students sign intake paperwork, a consent release form of information that is
copied and sent to the ETS, and have access to assistance as needed to fulfill other
requirements (i.e. applying to Cabrillo, financial aid application, registration for
classes, etc.).
ACADEMIC COUNSELING
The FTTW Academic Counselor is familiar with state and federally funded
programs that establish short-term time limits of students. FTTW students must be
in a state approved Career Technical Education (CTE) major and complete a
Certificate of Achievement within one year. Counselors are responsible for
development of student educational plans that ensure students are in compliance
with federal, state, and county regulations. Students must meet with the counselor
once a semester to ensure the student is following their educational plan and will
successfully complete the semester. Counselors work directly with the CW and WIA
county line staff to communicate and ensure students are on track and informed of
resources available to them.
REGISTRATION VOUCHERS
FTTW uses a voucher system to pay FTTW student fees. Vouchers are written to
pay fees not waived by the Board of Governor’s (BOG) waiver, including charges for
parking and Student Activity Cards. This important service makes it possible for
students to have their fees paid without having to pay for them out of pocket first.
FTTW fills out these vouchers for WIA students and audits vouchers for CalWORKs
students, which are completed by a county case manager. Then, the voucher
amounts are credited to the student’s account in the College Business Office. FTTW
also audits invoices sent to the SCC fiscal department for exactness of information.
In addition, FTTW collaborates with both the Business Office and with SCC to
ensure the voucher forms include all required information when form changes are
necessary. FTTW’s Project Manager has signing authority.
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PRIORITY REGISTRATION
FTTW works closely with students to ensure they are making successful progress
before requesting priority registration status. Priority registration is not an
entitlement for FTTW students but allows students to enroll in courses needed to
complete their certificates or degrees within their limited timeframe.
BOOK and SUPPLIES VOUCHERS
Each year FTTW contracts with the Cabrillo Bookstore to allow FTTW students to
use a voucher to purchase textbooks and supplies for the semester. At the beginning
of the semester, students complete request forms for required books and supplies
and if approved, FTTW issues the student a voucher to make purchases at the
Cabrillo Bookstore. Checks and balances are systemized by requiring the bookstore
submit the SCC bill for purchases to FTTW to audit before transmission to the SCC
fiscal department for payment.
EMERGENCY FUNDS for STUDENTS
FTTW participates in community fundraising events throughout the year to raise
emergency funds for students. These funds are a one-time distribution to students
and are monitored by the Project Manager. Eligibility is determined on an
individual basis. Requests are allowed for items not paid for by grants or other
scholarships, such as additional books necessary to complete a course, electrical
bills for one month, car repairs or tires, etc.
WORKSHOPS and COURSES
FTTW Counseling and Guidance courses (CG 190 series) and workshops provide
students with information, tools, and skills needed to become self-sufficient. Topics
include but are not limited to parenting, financial literacy, scholarship
management, work readiness, resources in the community, nutrition, work
etiquette, etc.
FTTW courses have two major curricula: Work Readiness and Financial Literacy
skills. Early in the development of FTTW, extensive research was conducted and
thus confirmed the urgent need for these courses of study. Welfare as it had been
known was going through major revisions, including a new five-year time limit for
cash aid enacted in 1996. More than ever, students needed skills that would provide
the necessary concepts and practices that would help them in their quest for familyand self-sufficiency. In addition, then as is now, FTTW participants are limited to
CTE paths determined by the government to be viable for future employment in our
county.
FTTW has consistently renewed curricula content from year to year as the
commitment to provide best practices for our students and project stakeholders was
emboldened. Culture, technology, employment trends, and economic climate are
some of the subjects we take into consideration when updating curricula.
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DATABASES
Data collection is integrated into FTTW staff’s daily contact with students.
Information entered into the FTTW database and state VCC systems include
eligibility documentation, intake information, work-study information, learning
disabilities, educational plans, student expenses, job search, and information
needed to track the CCCCO and WIA state reporting requirements. In addition,
extensive case management information is also collected and stored in databases.
MIS
Community Colleges are required to report CalWORKs MIS data elements to the
CCCCO no more than 30 days after the end of each academic term and meet the
final annual deadline of the first Monday in August. This is critical as the data is
used to determine funding allocations to the colleges for research purposes, and to
provide information for mandated annual reports to the state legislature. Colleges
that fail to report MIS data by the due date, or report only partial data experience a
negative impact on their allocations. Colleges must report information on students
who:
are eligible for the term reported (and this information is maintained in the
student’s case file)
has been through an intake and eligibility determination process and has
been provided with basic case management services
is enrolled for the term
The CCCCO bases funding allocations on the number of reported students that
meet the above criteria and have an enrollment record.
WORK STUDY
CalWORKs Work Study is an essential part of FTTW. Work study funds provide
paid work opportunities that enable students to meet CalWORKs work
requirements while pursuing an education, and provide students with work
experience that will make them more marketable, and provide them with an
additional source of income within the parameters of the CalWORKs program.
FTTW works closely with Cabrillo Financial Aid, Student Employment, and SCC
CalWORKs in the distribution of work study funds. FTTW coordinates with
Financial Aid to secure required work study match dollars for eligible students, and
utilize job search services available at Student Employment to place students in
jobs, on- and off-campus. FTTW students work in numerous campus departments,
including Assessment, Bookstore, Culinary Arts, Counseling, and Academy for
College Excellence, Dental Hygiene, Early Childhood Education, EOPS, Health
Services, Human Services, Information Technology, Library, Medical Assistant,
Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Small Business Development Center, Sign
Language, Student Affairs, Transfer, Tutorials, Visual and Performing Arts, and
the Watsonville Center. FTTW also contracts with businesses in the community to
place work study students in jobs that offer real world work experience in student
chosen career paths. FTTW partners with SCC CalWORKs to ensure that our
students meet the CalWORKs Work Participation Rate. In 2007, 2008, 2009
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funding was increased by the county to hire a Job Developer. The FTTW Job
Developer left the position in 2009 and the position was not approved for
replacement by the college.
CalWORKs Work Study Student Participation and Work Study Wages
Expenditures
07/08
08/09
09/10
10/11
11/12
Number of
50
41
49
22
20
Students
Work Study
$140,994
$132,319
$100,446
$40,065
$32,698
Allocations
INTERNSHIPS and WORK EXPERIENCE (2000-present)
Students are encouraged to participate in programs that link academic
opportunities with paid or unpaid workplace experiences. Cabrillo’s Cooperative
Work Experience (CWEE) coursework is integrated into FTTW educational plans to
help students gain work experience related to their CTE career majors and to help
them transition into the competitive labor market once they have completed their
educational goals. FTTW partners with the Santa Cruz Shoreline Workforce
Development services and CareerWorks to support students by providing on the job
training placements and job search services.
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SECTION FIVE
CURRENT FTTW PROGRAM, PROJECTS and GRANTS
CalWORKs Program (1997–present)
The FTTW CalWORKs program is funded by Temporary Assistance to Needy
Families (TANF), State Chancellor’s Office, and the SCC Human Services
Department as well as various grants that provide funds specifically for student
welfare recipients receiving cash aid. FTTW also provides an efficient one-stop shop
for students currently in short-term training that will lead to a career and financial
independence. FTTW provides various additional educational support services to
CalWORKs Welfare to Work (WTW) participants approved for training by the
SCCHuman Services Department (Employment & Benefit Services Division). The
partnership between the County and FTTW has helped students who, without the
intensive case management provided by both partners, would more than likely not
attend college. The contracted intensive services exist to help students matriculate.
WTW requirements are met through monitoring, verification, and reporting of
attendance. FTTW students associated with CalWORKS receive assistance in the
development of their academic plans. Services can also include academic
assessment, familiarization with other college services, priority registration and
enrollment assistance, application for and the management of financial aid,
tutoring, academic counseling, and access to a variety of other college and
community support services.
SCC WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD (WIB) (1998-present)
SCC WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT (WIA)
The FTTW and WIA programs have also collaborated since 1998; they have helped
thousands of students finish their training and obtain work in the Tri-County area.
WIA is federally funded support for individuals who are unemployed or
underemployed and seek to improve earnings potentials and career options by
increasing skill and educational levels and/or obtain industry-relevant certifications
or licensure. WIA training eligibility is determined by the local WIB. FTTW is
contracted to help participants that seek out Cabrillo College for training. FTTW
enrollment opens and closes several times throughout the fiscal year. FTTW acts as
liaison between the WIB, WIA, and Cabrillo College. Individual student Career
Technical Education (CTE) training fund awards vary in amount depending on the
cost of the program. Services can also include academic assessment, familiarization
with other college services, priority registration and enrollment assistance,
application for and the management of financial aid, tutoring, academic counseling,
and access to a variety of other college and community support services.
CARREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION/TEACHER PREPERATION PIPLINE
(CTE/TPP) (2007-present)
The CTE/TPP program focuses on the recruitment and training of future Career
Technical Educators and K-12 teachers. The CTE/TPP program introduces
interested students to various teaching career paths by offering teaching assistant
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and tutoring opportunities, as well as supportive services, such as education
counseling. The grant for this program has existed since 2007 and FTTW is grateful
to have strong and viable relationships with the local public and private high
schools and elementary schools necessary to make the program successful.
Partnerships with WIB, the Regional Occupational Council, the University of Santa
Cruz, San Jose State University, and Cabrillo’s CTE programs solidify
infrastructure and industry-education support for future teachers. To date this
program has provided intensive supportive services for 323 students.
GROVE SCHOLARS (2006-present)
In 2006 FTTW worked directly with the Andy Grove Foundation (AGF) to develop a
scholarship program for high school seniors who planned to attend Cabrillo College
and attain a certificate or AA/AS degree in a high demand, high wage career. The
program supports a total of 132 students in four cohorts. FTTW used to be
responsible for scholarship eligibility determination and providing support services,
which included but were not limited to, orientation, educational plans, referrals to
various college services and resources, semester distribution of scholarship funds,
and mandated student progress reports. After this year the program will be closed
and any remaining AGF scholarship funds will be donated to the “new” Grove
Scholars scholarship fund for Cabrillo CTE students.
GREEN BUILDING PRE-APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING PARTNERSHIP
& GRAY WATER PROGRAM (2010-present)
FTTW and WIB partnered with Hartnell College, Ecology Now, Central Coast
Energy Services, and Cabrillo Construction Energy departments to develop CEM
GREEN and train 40 men and women. The Cabrillo College Green Partnership
project offered over 330 hours of CTE construction energy management training,
300 hours of paid internships, and a 30-hour gray water course to train 31
participants how to divert laundry, bathroom sink, and shower water for
landscaping and irrigation systems. The program was designed to motivate men
and women eager to build on their current knowledge and skills so that they could
qualify to become part of the next generation of American builders. These acquired
sustainable construction skills create more efficient building and reduce our
dependency on non-renewable energy sources. This program is highly successful
and the curriculum has been integrated into Cabrillo’s CEM certificate programs.
SOLAR-TECH WORKFORCE INNOVATIONS COLLABORATIVE (SWIC)
(2010-PRESENT)
FTTW partnered with a Monterey Bay Green grant and worked with the Green
Careers Partnership to provide post-secondary training for 34 students studying
green building and Construction Energy Management classes. FTTW collaborated
with the program chair from the CEM department developing the necessary class
requirements. FTTW also provides case management and coordination of job search,
and follow-up with college and community partners.
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COUNSELING & GUIDANCE WORK READINESS (CG 190WR) (2006–
PRESENT)
CG 190WR is designed specifically for students in FTTW. Provision of job readiness
curriculum meets the FTTW student’s crucial need to be “job ready” before being
“timed off” welfare or unemployment benefits. Students learn effective tools and
practical techniques that help them land the job of their dreams. The class work also
helps students learn job search and job advancement skills. By the end of the course
students have completed final resume assignments and are aware of the services of
FTTW, thus securing a more effective model for success as they matriculate through
Cabrillo and ultimately out of financial assistance. Additional curricula includes
creating cover letters, values clarification, Myers-Briggs and Strong Interest
Inventory learning, job interview panel practice, and informational interviewing,
financial literacy, interviewing techniques, job search techniques and strategies,
salary negotiation, techniques to balance family and career, job fairs, and much more.
COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE FINANCIAL LITERACY COURSE
(CG190F) (2007-CURRENT)
FTTW Financial Literacy for FTTW students strives to promote family financial
security by introducing the principles of budgeting and saving, and access to
affordable financial products and services. Students learn how to manage grant
funds and students loans. Students are encouraged to have conversations about
money and good financial habits to help them avoid the traps of financial naiveté.
MAX CO – OP GRANT (2011-present)
FTTW facilitates a student-led co-operative and focus group called MAX Co-Op. The goal
for MAX Co-Op is to teach students sustainable networking, critical thinking, and good
self-care skills. Students learn to support one another with student life, family issues,
and employment issues. Available funding is used for field trips, training, supplies, and
student incentives and enrichment. The students are involved with the following projects
and workshops: Kids Clothing Share, Positive Child Discipline Workshop, Scholarship
Management Workshops, Time Management, Networking and Community Resources,
Tutoring, and Relaxation. Guest speakers are invited to monthly meetings and students
volunteer for college activities, such as the S4C, Running Start, and All College Night.
Students determine topics and guest speakers by conducting student surveys on and
assessing current needs. FTTW encourages students to re-apply for this source of funding
to continue their projects and workshops.
FOSTER YOUTH SUPPORT (Fall 2012-2013)
The Foundation at Cabrillo was given $50,000 to develop a Foster Youth Support
Program. That donation allowed Student Services to concentrate on contacting
former and current Foster Youth to help them navigate educational processes at
Cabrillo College. Three former Foster Youth enrollees were hired to mentor other
students on campus and in the community. Student Services was also able to award
over $30,000 in grants to former foster care students enrolled at Cabrillo. FTTW is
working with Student Services on this project. As of now, details are still TBD.
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SECTION SIX
COLLEGE PARTNERSHIPS
ACCELERATED MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAM (AMAP) (Spring 2012present)
FTTW works in collaboration with the new Accelerated Medical Assisting Program.
Eight FTTW students participated in the pilot program (Cohort 1) and 15 FTTW
students will join Cohort 2 during the Fall 2012 term. This program compliments
the restricted time limits that students work under to complete their educational
goals (and then find work). FTTW works closely with AMAP to monitor needs and
successes of FTTW students.
ACADEMY FOR COLLEGE EXCELLENCE
As an on-campus learning community, ACE is geared toward providing one
semester of study for those interested in professional careers in high-wage or highdemand fields. ACE students successfully complete career certificates then transfer
to four-year universities. Students are also equipped with the leadership skills
necessary to make a difference in their communities. FTTW refers students who
may have struggled with formal education in the past, haven’t decided on a major,
and/or just need an extra boost of confidence. Through ACE, FTTW students
identify their strengths and goals, develop career plans, and then finish with a clear
vision of what they are capable of and how to achieve it.
TUTORIAL
FTTW students are referred to the Cabrillo Tutorial Center, Math Learning Center,
Writing Center, Integrated Learning Center, and Watsonville campus, or
participate in student study groups. In the past, FTTW was able to help fund
tutorial services for CW students but due to budget cuts, FTTW no longer supports
Tutorial needs and services. SCC works closely with FTTW to make sure students
receive any tutoring they need and can provide funding for private tutoring.
DISABLED STUDENTS PROGRAM & SERVICES (DSPS)
DSPS offers a variety of services that enable students with disabilities to function
independently in the educational environment. The objective of DSPS services is to
integrate and mainstream students with disabilities into general campus programs
and activities. Many times FTTW students struggle in their coursework, or they
have struggled with education in the past without knowing they have a learning
disability. FTTW refers these students for an assessment at the Cabrillo Learning
Skills Center. Once a prognosis is in place, FTTW and DSPS initiate a close follow
up to ensure the student receives proper services and guidance.
FINANCIAL AID
FTTW students are required to apply for federal financial aid. FTTW works closely
with Cabrillo Financial Aid to coordinate Federal Work Study and CalWORKs’
Work Study referrals, student hires (both on- and off-campus); and shares
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information regarding changes to requirements for students. FTTW distributes
Grove Scholarship funds by requesting Financial Aid to release the funds. Recently,
Financial Aid has exerted great efforts to work closely with FTTW and SCC
partners to make sure appropriate financial aid regulation changes are understood
and communicated. Financial Aid participates in FTTW orientations and outreach
events, as well as the steering committee meetings.
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT CENTER (SEC)
The collaboration between FTTW and SEC has proven to be a very successful
partnership for staff and students. FTTW work-study students work directly with
SEC to acquire their work-study placements on- and off-campus. Students are also
exposed to other employment opportunities in the community, employment and
workplace etiquette workshops, and provided with one-on-one resume help.
GENERAL COUNSELING
FTTW works closely with the General Counseling Department at Cabrillo for training,
updates on vocational matters, and information on academic programs. FTTW works in
tandem with General Counseling Department to prepare petitions for FTTW students
and to counsel FTTW students when FTTW counselors are unavailable.
SAMPER 4TH GRADE EXPERIENCE
A program that is part of the SCC College Commitment (S4C) and Cabrillo Student
Services Department enabled 2,896 fourth-grade students to visit Cabrillo in Spring
2012. While Student Services led this effort, FTTW collaborated with the S4C on
this event by overseeing planning and program review. FTTW staff volunteered as
tour guides and helpers for this event. The design of the visit was to familiarize
students with higher education and motivate them to think about attending college.
Students experienced training in career options, participated in experiments,
viewed classrooms, and met professionals in the effort to get students thinking
about their futures and viewing college as the best option for after high school.
FTTW will continue to participate in 2012-2013.
EXTENDED OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM & SERVICES (EOPS) and CARE
FTTW works closely with EOPS. Eligibility documentation is provided on students who
are served under TANF regulations. Every semester EOPS and FTTW share student
lists in order to reach out to potential students that might benefit from both programs.
SANTA CRUZ COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION (SCCU)
INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT (IDA)
FTTW has worked directly with the Santa Cruz Community Credit Union to offer
low income students an opportunity to participate in the IDA program. SCCCU IDA
program is an opportunity for low-income individuals to save and build a savings
account. Savings are matched dollar for dollar, literally doubling what an individual
saves. The assets from this type of savings account for FTTW are used to cover
students’ costs of higher education.
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SECTION SEVEN
BUDGET
The FTTW program is supported primarily by CalWORKs and by Temporary
Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) funds from the Chancellor’s office. In
addition, County Human Services Department and Workforce Investment Board
grants, such as the Career Technical Education Teacher Preparation Pipeline grant,
and various projects, such as SWIC, provide funding for FTTW.
In 2009-10, FTTW and DeAnza College, in partnership with the Federal Food
Stamp Department, state, and local county HSDs, piloted the first CalSuccess
Program. This program provided food stamp recipients intensive supportive services
much needed to complete their educational goals and get a job. The program was a
success and much interest to start this program on various college campuses
throughout the state began to be expressed. Federal funding changed under the
belief that funds would be better used to provide nutritional training and education
awareness programs rather than direct individual training and supportive services.
Future funding was cancelled.
Also in 2009-10, FTTW had the privilege of receiving additional funding and
working directly with the local WIB to implement the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act and help more people in our community attain workplace skills
and postsecondary educational credentials needed for employment in high-demand
occupations. This was an exciting time for FTTW because the numbers of students
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in various WIA projects and student scholarship funds increased to serve an
additional 130 students. As it turns out, no further funding for this project is
available.
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SECTION EIGHT
STUDENT TRENDS
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SECTION NINE
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Fast Track To Work takes part in a statewide effort to document student learning
outcomes. As a student services program, student learning outcomes describe what
students learn as a result of participating in the program. They are measured
through surveys, monthly activity reports and end of the year program reviews.
Communication and continual analyses of the students’ SLOs and educational goals
are essential to their success.
Student Learning Outcomes
Establish a career goal, develop an
educational plan that includes the
coursework and sequence of courses
required for the chosen career path, and
enroll in the courses needed each
semester to complete the plan.
Understand and fulfill Welfare-To-Work
“Work Activity” requirement
(CalWORKs students only)
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Assessments
Creation of an Educational Plan
Utilization of priority registration to
enroll in courses
Each student will understand the
required hours of work activity
according to their Welfare-To-Work
Activity Plan.
In order to verify their work activity
hours, each student will complete and
submit an Hourly Activity Record to
FTTW every month.
Each student who is employed will
also submit a copy of their time card to
accompany the Hourly Activity
Record.
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*Please note students may enroll in one fiscal year and not complete educational
goals until next fiscal year. The above graph excludes Cal Success Students.
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SECTION TEN
RECOMMENDATIONS
The current FTTW staff members are utilized effectively and are often asked to do
“more with less” as program demands grow. It is critical to use whatever resources
are available to maintain and improve the current ratios and monitor student
referrals and appointments, so as to ensure staffing levels remain sufficient. The
staff is dedicated to the students, the community and to the college; many staff
participate in community events and volunteer for committees at Cabrillo and on
state and advisory committees. In order to ensure program stability FTTW
recommends the following:
Staffing Increase
Recognition of staffing attrition and imbalance of student to staff ratio causes
overburden of responsibilities to the FTTW staff.
1. Re-implement FTTW Director position
a. Justification: The current FTTW Project Manager assumed the
original FTTW Program Manager’s work load in 2009. FTTW needs
director-level oversight in order to effectively manage the increasingly
complex duties.
b. Recommend: 80% FTTW funding 20% CTE/TPP funding
2. Re-class Office Specialist to Program Specialist
a. Justification: Position was vacated in 2011 and has been staffed by
temp hourly. Program needs to be integrated back into FTTW
program.
b. Recommend: 50% CTE/TPP and 50% FTTW funding
3. Re-class of Program Specialist II to Program Coordinator
a. Justification: Current Program Specialist workload has changed due to
downsizing of staff and is doing out of class work
b. Recommend: 100% FTTW funding
4. Hire FTTW Student Services Advisor
a. Justification: There is an increase in demand for student appointments
and contacts made by counselor demand due to state and county
regulations. The program has made a concrete effort to build retention
and success strategies, resulting in much higher student contact hours.
An Advisor position could manage contacts, stabilize work load issues,
and initiate preventive proactive intervention before a student reaches
non-compliance issues.
b. Recommend: 100% FTTW funding
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5. Hire Office Specialist
a. Justification: Front office is currently staffed by 50% Office Assistant.
Full time staff person is needed to handle day-to-day operations
b. Recommend: 100% FTTW funding
On-Site County Employment Training Specialist(s)
Fast Track To Work (FTTW) will provide work space to one dedicated CW and WIA
Employment Training Specialist (ETS). This would streamline services to all project
stakeholders’ seamless service delivery, therefore ensuring improved retention of
student customers and higher success rates for involved institutions.
Sound Abatement
Provision of a previous interior redesign and/or remodeling for the lower level of the
Cabrillo College SAC West building did not include sound proofing of that office
space. Sound proofing the environment to ensure student and staff confidentiality is
essential and mandated by the state and county. Funding source TBD.
Campus and Community Outreach
Increase FTTW's visibility on campus and in the community by including various
media that introduce FTTW services and clarify the program mission. Funding
source TBD.
BI-Annual FTTW Open Houses
FTTW would conduct two-hour open house presentations for state, college, and
county representatives twice a year. Information on FTTW's program and service
stakeholders and relevant program revisions will be discussed. Student presenters
would offer an overview of their program affiliation experience, and be available for
question and answers. Funding source TBD.
The following practices have been incorporated into the 2012- 2013 FTTW
program objectives as the result of a FTTW student survey conducted by a
FTTW work-study student at the end of Spring semester. FTTW students
continue to be the best resources for improving the program.
Additional drop-in counseling hours and after hours appointments with FTTW staff
CW sponsored family picnic and increased gatherings with FTTW students
Continuation of peer support co-op
Continuation of study groups to enhance student to student connection
Continuation of Time Management workshops
Continuation of Advocacy networking and training with Parent Voices
Continuation of Work Readiness and CG coursework
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SECTION ELEVEN
CONCLUSION
Community Colleges have been experiencing severe budget cuts since 2009-10.
CalWORKs programs have been targeted over the last few years for radical cuts
and regulatory changes in attempts to address the California budget crisis, yet the
most devastating cuts have been turned back by advocacy efforts each year.
Although the CalWORKs program allocation has been reduced over the years, the
program has been able to compensate with decrease in student supplies, and
reassigning child care dollars to be used for work study and other fiscal needs.
Studies continue to demonstrate that postsecondary education coupled with
comprehensive support services, like those provided by FTTW, is an important
aspect of welfare reform. The Center for Law and Social Policy found that the
median annual earnings of former community college CalWORKs students who
completed their AA/AS degrees were five times greater than prior to beginning their
college education. Reports also show that children who are raised in poverty
generally are more likely to drop out of high school, and those who do graduated are
less likely to enroll in or graduate from college.
FTTW provides WIA scholarships and intensive support services. FTTW believes
that everyone has a right to education and students who are given the skills, tools,
and advisement needed to complete their educational goals, close the gap between
poverty and achievement. The FTTW program works with the “whole” student
addressing issues that are personal, educational, work-related, physical, health
related, cultural, financial and more. This case management approach is imperative
to help students establish themselves and their families as self-sufficient.
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