EDUCATION

Education is the gateway to greater opportunities.

Young woman with a backpack holding notebooks and smiling inside a building.

We aim for 100% of Unity Care youth to complete their high school education and matriculate in post-secondary learning.

Post-Secondary Education

When Unity Care clients begin working with us, sometimes it’s the first time they’ve ever been asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Once clients are settled into housing, we begin to explore their educational achievements, gaps, and goals.

Because each client’s journey is individual, Unity Care embraces and encourages them to think creatively about what they want to achieve in life. Some will pursue a non-traditional pathway for adult learners and returning students, while others will seek a traditional pathway to trade school or from community college to a four-year institution.

Whatever our clients choose, we are there with them, every step of the way.

How We Help

Academic Exploration & Planning

  • Take career assessments to identify career interests and matching skill sets

  • Identify educational goals and investigate cost to pursue

  • Set an education plan with short- and long-term goals

  • Explore use of FAFSA and other aid, including scholarships

  • Complete FAFSA, complete applications and register in post-secondary education

Accountability

  • Managing competing priorities such as school, work, and parenting, if appropriate

  • Developing SMART goals and revising them as needed, without compromising outcomes

  • Attending College Advisor meetings with Client, if requested

Digital Literacy

  • How to write a proper email to a professor or advisor

  • How to use day-to-day academic platforms like Google Workspace, Canvas, Zoom, etc.

  • Securing a new laptop for school

  • Staying organized by utilizing online calendars and time management tools efficiently

A young woman in a maroon graduation cap and gown stands outdoors, smiling, with a bright sunlight background and colorful flowers around her.

Parenting Education

Young parents need an extra set of hands, too. Our Parenting Education Program provides 1:1 parenting education support to ensure new parents:

  • Know what to expect or provide support during pregnancy

  • Receive monthly prenatal care and become established with an OB/GYN provider

  • Save for upcoming birth and baby expenses

  • Learn the latest health guidelines to protect themselves and baby during pregnancy

  • Have access to resources to get baby home safe and have a strong start in life (car seat, clothes, formula, diapers).

A woman kissing a baby on the cheek, with the baby looking at the camera, wearing a red shirt with pink polka dots.