Supporting federal grant recipients who are going back to school can be incredibly rewarding. They’re excited about the future and eager to improve their lives. Your full support can significantly enhance their chances of success. Here are five ideas for supporting your clients so they can make the most of this new opportunity.
1. Provide Guidance on the Uses and Limitations of Funding
As soon as your clients qualify for job training funding, give them detailed information on how it can be used, including which training programs and institutions aren’t covered. Avoid letting them get attached to a program not covered by the grant if they cannot compensate for the remaining costs.
You can prepare them ahead of time by working with them to determine an appropriate field that meshes well with their talents, skills and interests. Industries such as information technology (IT) and healthcare offer competitive salaries, are fast-growing and provide a variety of roles that suit different personality types.
2. Communicate Clearly and Often
Make sure your clients know how to get in touch with you and that they are free to contact you with any questions. Since you’ve been their main support person so far, they may feel more comfortable bringing questions to you. You may not have all the answers, but you can probably put them in touch with the right person.
Even if your clients don’t reach out, periodically check in to see if they need assistance and to inquire about their progress. By being proactive, you can help them deal with small challenges before they become overwhelming.
3. Plan for Obstacles
In their excitement about starting fresh, your clients may overlook potential challenges ahead.. While you don’t want to bring them down, make sure they have a realistic understanding of what lies ahead. If they need extra help, such as internet access or bus passes, set them up with the appropriate services.
4. Help Them Find a Good Match
Adult students often need additional support to succeed in school, especially if they’ve been out of school for a while. They might need assistance organizing their time or developing effective study strategies. Set your clients up for success by helping them find a training program with strong support services like MedCerts. With personalized guidance from an Education Consultant, a Student Success Advisor and a Career Coach, your clients will get the help they need from the time they start classes until they launch their new careers.
5. Share Their Successes
Your clients have overcome a lot to get to where they are. Encourage them to reflect on what they’ve accomplished and celebrate all of their milestones. Whether it’s passing a difficult test, turning in a big project or getting their final certification, take the time to congratulate them and share in their excitement and pride.
Don’t underestimate the impact you have on your clients. Your support and encouragement can change their lives for the better. By working with them to select a training program, helping them find the resources they need to overcome challenges and maintaining close contact throughout their program, you will help lay the groundwork for their future success.
