Larkin Street Youth Services’ HIRE UP employment and education initiative includes a variety of components to encourage kids to finish high school, gain valuable job skills, and learn to be self sufficient. We recognize that in today’s world, post-secondary education is crucial to serious career development and rewarding, productive adulthood. HIRE UP therefore includes HIRE Access, an educational program that demystifies the college application process and helps youth pursue post-secondary success.

Through HIRE Access, Larkin Street clients who express interest in post-secondary school are given academic counseling and assistance in finding and attending the college of their choice. Our counselors are experts in the specific issues that our youth face, aiding them as they negotiate school fees and build a plan for their post-secondary success. HIRE Access staff and volunteers take youth on tours of local college campuses. They assist the program participants with applications and financial aid forms, and Larkin Street even offers modest scholarships. These scholarships are an especially valuable service, providing debt-free financial aid options free of the red tape many youth find so intimidating. Young people also support each other through ongoing College Success Workshops, during which current students serve as mentors to those interested in pursuing post-secondary education.

Kids who have been neglected or rejected by family haven’t had the benefit of educational role models. Consumed with surviving the pain of life on the streets, they have rarely considered the option for pursuing higher education. HIRE Access gives them back those lost opportunities and allows young people to finally fulfill their academic potential.

• Larkin Street helps approximately 100 youth enroll in post-secondary education through HIRE Access each year.

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