When Emily joined the Keys to Success program, she already had a dream for her future. She was taking dual enrollment classes and was planning to attend Northern Arizona University with a major in criminal justice. She just needed some guidance on how to achieve her dream.
Finding Your Dream
Asked about her career interests, Emily expressed an interest in true crime and how she wants to become and FBI domestic investigator. With the help of her Career Development Specialist (CDS), Emily learned more about financial aid opportunities such as scholarships, grants, loans and the Education Tuition Voucher (ETV). She also successfully submitted her FAFSA application.
Her CDS asked what she wanted in a university, Emily first mentioned access to help from professors and study centers. She also wanted opportunities to participate in clubs and other extracurricular activities. With this information, she began researching universities and the programs they offered. Emily found universities that had what she wanted in a college, as well as a program that would help her achieve her career goals. After her research, she decided to attend the University of Arizona.
“If I could do it over again, I would definitely do the Keys to Success program in a heartbeat.”
Emily, Keys to Success Participant
“My advice to any youth who are looking to participate in the program is be self-aware of your actions. Everything you do at this point will help you shape your future, so take the advice you receive into account especially since this information is going to help you in the future. If I could do it over again, I would definitely do the Keys to Success program in a heartbeat.” -Emily
Building Bright Futures
We are so excited for this next step on Emily’s journey to a big, bright future. Emily is one of approximately 200 youth currently participating in the Keys to Success program. Through the program, these youth have a support system in place to help them realize their potential, develop job readiness skills and take an active role in determining their future.
The Keys to Success team of career development and employment development specialists continue to support youth throughout the journey to adulthood. You can help support these young adults by making a donation to Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation. Individuals can donate up to $500 and joint filers can donate up to $1,000 and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on their Arizona state taxes. Give today at affcf.org/give.