We make sure our alumni have the tools they need to make a plan for the future. Our College & Career Persistence (CP) counselors work with all rising high school seniors, beginning in the summer, to map out a post-high school plan based on their personal goals, college-readiness and access to affordable post-high school pathways.
CP Counselors work with alumni and their families to plan next steps after high school, gain exposure to various pathways and provide application and financial aide support.
CJA hosts a summer workshop to help students prepare for life after high school. Topics covered include creating a budget, completing registration requirements and making connections with resources at their chosen post-secondary program or school.
CP has developed partnerships with trade and workforce training programs to serve students who choose trade and technical pathways.
CJA is fortunate enough to be able to offer stipends to alumni while they are in an unpaid certificate program to ensure that they can focus on their training.
The College & Career Persistence Team has a last-dollar fund to help close financial aid gaps and/or provide funds for expenses such as books, lab fees or transportation.
Each summer, CJA employs alumni as part-time paid IT interns, facilities assistants and classroom aides. This gives alumni the opportunity to gain work experience and skills for future job opportunities.
I think the definition of success means something different for everyone – but I measure it through growth and impact. I think if you’re evolving and growing constantly, as well as having a positive impact on those around you, then you’ve found your niche, and that is the ultimate success.
I’m most proud of my progression, especially in the last 3 years. I have grown into a young man. I have a union job and my own apartment. To get a position that the union offers is a major step for me.
We support our alumni as they chart their unique paths to careers. Some alums are passionate about pursuing technical training or a certificate program after high school. The five CJA alums pictured to the left are a great example of this. They recently graduated from 548 Enterprise Solar Technician Training. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish as they begin careers in this growing industry.
5058 West Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60644
(773) 638-6103