Two-Phase Approach
Future Link was founded to address issues of inequity and social injustice in our community. Within Montgomery County, significant income and educational disparities exist for our first-generation-to-college young adults, 97% of whom identify as BIPOC. Our students lack resources and support systems to complete post-secondary credentials and degrees and reach their career goals. As national trends show, this achievement gap, coupled with the rise of mandatory work experience for entry-level positions, demonstrates the intense need for our program model. The development of soft skills and critical thinking in the Phase I Seminar is paired with the longer-term professional development in Phase II.
Future Link’s two-phase program model empowers students (at no cost to them) to build confidence, competence, and connections leading to financial independence.
An Intensive, Individualized, Long-Term Approach
Future Link’s comprehensive program model makes a multi-year commitment to each participant. Each student is viewed holistically and individually to improve their academic success and employment outcomes. Click on each tab below to learn more about the services offered in each phase.
Phase I (15 Weeks)
Personal Development
Students identify their strengths, goals, interests, and values and begin to map them to viable careers through career exploration exercises.
Students develop an achievement-oriented mindset recognizing that they must take responsibility and ownership for their actions and behaviors, and in doing so, they can control the outcomes they achieve.
Students prepare for and meet a professional in their desired career field to learn about the truths of the profession, career trends, and the education and training required. This begins the building of the students’ professional network.
The student’s personal journey begins with a 15-week Self-Advocacy and Career Development Seminar designed to instill the behaviors and mindset needed for success. Through an innovative, multi-media curriculum, students gain self-advocacy, confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, as well as develop career plans and professional connections to position them for future success.
Students develop essential workplace skills including communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, and self-advocacy, all vital to success.
Staff member and student meet as a precursor to Phase II to develop a personalized plan of resources and services based on the student’s education and career goals.
Phase II (Multi-Year)
Professional Development
Learn more about Career Coaching.
Learn more about Mentoring.
To build community and enhance skills, Future Link hosts regular networking events and workshops to expand students’ peer and professional networks. Workshop topics are selected based on evolving, relevant student needs.
Future Link staff checks in regularly on students and provides advice that encompasses the students’ academics, employment, finances, and life. Staff access a robust network and match the appropriate resource(s) to best support the student.
- Tutoring: Available in 14 subjects including math, English, science, and more.
- Academics: Decision-making on course selection, majors, transferring, appeals, etc.
- Financial Aid: Assistance with FAFSA, private scholarships, and budgeting.
Eligible Seminar graduates work closely with Future Link staff to secure a paid internship in their desired career field that will provide a meaningful and relevant opportunity to prepare them for future careers.
Each graduate in good academic standing can apply to receive a $530 scholarship toward tuition and/or books at an accredited college or training program. Additional financial support is available as students’ progress with their post-secondary education or credential.
Our goal is for students to achieve self-sufficiency and financial independence through a meaningful career.