The Center : AmeriCorps : Programs : Youth Investment Center

Child abuse and neglect is a significant problem in Sacramento County. There are 1600 foster youth in Sacramento County 8-19 years of age. The foster youth that reside in YIC’s target communities, like foster youth throughout California, are at greatest risk for poor academic performance and unemployment after emancipation. Only 35-40% of youth leaving foster care graduate from high school. Youth in foster care are less likely to enroll in college prep classes even when their scores and grades are as good as non-foster youth (15% vs. 32%). 51% are unemployed within two to four years of emancipation because they lack basic pre-employment skills. However, foster youth are capable of achieving success in adulthood if they learn life skills in the areas of career planning, communication, daily living, home life, housing and money management, self-care, social relationships, work and study, and work life. AmeriCorps members will provide life skill activities to youth (including foster youth) to prepare them for their transition towards a successful adulthood. Program activities include daily after-school homework assistance; one-on-one tutoring; home visitation; referrals/linkages to resources; serve as role models while mentoring  youth; and establish relationships with foster parents of youth served.   

CAPC CORPS YOUTH INVESTMENT CENTER PERFORMANCE MEASURES

500 youth, including 150 foster youth, will participate in life skills activities

  • 75% of foster youth who receive 90 hours of AmeriCorps member services will self-report an increase of 15% in life skills competencies.
  • 60% of non-foster youth who receive 60 hours of AmeriCorps member services will self-report an increase of 10% in life readiness skills.
  • 75% of foster youth who receive 90 hours of AmeriCorps member services will increase life skills competencies by 30% as reported by AmeriCorps members.
  • 60% of non-foster youth who receive 60 hours of AmeriCorps member services will increase in life readiness skills by 10% as reported by AmeriCorps members.

Training

  • 25 AmeriCorps members will receive training that gives them the knowledge and ability to guide and support youth.
  • 80% of AmeriCorps members will improve their pre-post proficiency on the life skills training curriculum by 25%.

Volunteer Recruitment

  • 85 volunteers will be recruited to provide 2,300 hours of community service.