Education & Employment
Through community programs, state and federal aid, and financial assistance DCFS works to connect youth transitioning out of care with resources to help them reach their educational goals.Olene S. Walker Transition to Adult Living (TAL) Scholarship is designed to assist qualified youths who are transitioning out of Utah state foster care or the unaccompanied refugee minor program to complete a post-secondary education program (degree or certificate) at a Utah System of Higher Education institution.
Apply here -OR- Reapply here.
Siegfried and Ellen Karsten Scholarship is a fund established in 2003 for students who have been in foster care prior to entering college. Apply here.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
College Scholarships for Foster Children lists national and state-specific scholarships available to current and former foster youth.
Foster Care to Success is a national nonprofit helping college bound foster youth transition from care to adulthood through education.
Complete list of Utah Colleges and Universities
Education Training Voucher (ETV) Funds can assist with tuition, books, mentoring, support services and skill development for qualifying youth.
Utah's Career and Technical Education Program (CTE) provides students with technical skills and academic knowledge needed to prepare for future employment and/or a successful transition to post-secondary education.
Graduation requirements for Utah students
Utah State Board of Education Youth in Custody (YIC) page has a directory of Check and Connect mentors by school district.
DCFS offers a continuum of services to youth in care transitioning to adult living. Through a private/public network of organizations we assist youth with career planning and preparation, job training and more.careers.utah.gov introduces you to tools and information that can help you make informed decisions on career, education and training, and job options.
careeronestop.org has information, tools, and links to resources to help anyone age 16 to 24. Explore careers, learn about and locate training or education programs and conduct job searches.
Occupation Explorer details job opening projections, wages, skill requirements, related occupations, employment outlook, training and education information, and current openings listed with the Department of Workforce Services.
Job Seeker Workshops through Utah's Workforce Services are designed to give you the job and life skills necessary to succeed in a highly competitive job market. Workshops are offered both in person and online.
Find a job through the Utah Department of Workforce Services site. You can also download the app.
Utah Futures is Utah's career information system for students, job seekers, employment service providers, educational institutions and more.
Job Corps is the largest free residential education and job training program for young adults ages 16-24.
Utah's Smart Start Program provides a step-by-step guide to finding a job. Helpful tips include preparing a resume, applying for jobs, networking and interviewing.
Vocational rehabilitation from the Department of Workforce Services provides counseling and guidance services to help individuals with disabilities achieve their employment goals.
Department of Labor Youth Training Programs lists resources and programs to ensure all youth have skills and training to successfully make the transition to adulthood and careers.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program can help you develop skills, make career choices based on your personal interests and jobs in demand, and much more.
