Supports for Success
In January 2016, Sherwood Forest launched the Supports for Success program to extend supports beyond 9th grade and prepare Quest program alumni for post-secondary success.
Throughout this three-year program sequence, Sherwood Forest aims to provide youth transitioning into young adulthood with the life skills and supports needed to be self-sufficient, solve problems, and resolve conflicts. There is a focus on developing healthy social and emotional skills, which enable youth to develop into well-rounded adults and committed members of their communities after successfully completing a post-secondary education program.
Programming is flexible and adaptable to help meet the needs of each participant, but focus on the following key tenants:
Job-Readiness Skill Development
Youth take part in school-year activities that prepare them for summer employment including resume writing workshops, mock interviews, professional etiquette classes, and leadership training. During the summer months, all youth successfully secure employment and continue skill development in the areas of conflict resolution, learning to take direction, and setting success strategies. Some are employed by Sherwood Forest as Counselors-in-Training; others work at seasonal jobs in the community.
Financial Literacy and College Preparation
Youth participate in monthly meetings with our Program Manager to continue job skills development, in addition to workshops on financial literacy, saving for the future, and ACT prep. They have the opportunity to visit college campuses throughout the state with their families and receive one-on-one college coaching to discuss postsecondary educational and career goals. These youth also secure summer employment.
College Access and Civic Engagement.
Our Program Manager supports youth as they research majors and careers, identify colleges that match their goals, complete the Common Application, write personal statements to accompany college and scholarship applications, complete the FAFSA, and research scholarship opportunities.
Upon high school graduation, program participants continue to receive individualized support as they navigate their next steps.