Pathways to Academic & Career Exploration to Success

The Pathways to Academic and Career Exploration to Success (PACES) program supports youth in foster care, ages 16-21, in their successful transition to and retention in post-secondary education, career technical education and workforce readiness.

Our devoted coaches are supportive adults who assist youth with 1:1 meetings and assessments to create and implement plans for education/employment success. Coaches guide youth to self-advocate by utilizing social networking and professional communication skills to coordinate with and leverage local and state-wide support systems and resources.

Referrals for PACES are accepted through Essex County and Union County DCP&P and DCF.

Educational Services PACES Provides

• High school tracking towards graduation
• Financial aid application assistance
• Grant and scholarship research tools
• College preparatory course referrals and test centers
• College application and college search assistance
• Non-traditional post-secondary education options exploration
• Development of academic skills and behaviors
• Coordination of educational testing opportunities
• Supplemental instruction
• College admissions prep
• Standardized testing
• Collaboration with CP&P and educational institutions (secondary, postsecondary, etc.)
• Link to college retention programs

Employment Services PACES Provides

• Exploring interests and skills through case management and career inventories
• Connections to county- and 
state –based resources
• Referrals to local employment agencies
• Employment application assistance
• Resume, cover letter and interview prep
• Facilitation of internships, job shadowing, volunteer or community service options

The CAU PACES Team

Coaches:

Adeyinka Ogunlowo, Master in Special Education

Tina Whitfield, Master in Mental Health and Clinical Counseling

Laura Attipoe, Master of Social Work (MSW)

Abiodun Lawal, Master of Social Work (MSW)

Director:

Francis Anyanwu, Director of PACES Program
Master of Social Work (MSW)
info@caunj.org

Recent Member Success

Dellmicah: “I got a new job! I’ve set a life goal of attending real estate school.”

Britney: “I got into college!, I’m on track to graduate high school and I won a scholarship! I also got a new job!”

Evan: “I am a tri-instrumentalist and self-taught audio engineer. I am in the process of producing an album. I am also on track to graduate!”

Gemini: “I am about to graduate from college. I have a better understanding of what I am meant to do in life.”

Contact CAU for more information about this program, or complete the contact form below.