American Student Assistance

What advice does world-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma have for young people? To find out, listen to this episode of The One Question podcast, hosted by Michael Horn and our President & CEO Jean Eddy. Listen here: https://bit.ly/4eGynGo

Fully Liberated Youth is a Denver-based nonprofit that seeks to help young people navigate the criminal justice system and effectively re-enter society. Mentors help participants with transportation to court hearings, teach social emotional learning skills, and career counseling. #MentoringMonth Learn more about the program:

A recent case study highlights the impact of EvolveMe®, part of American Student Assistance's digital career readiness suite, paired with The DeBruce Foundation’s resources and Agile Work Profiler©.  In 2024, The DeBruce Foundation tasks in EvolveMe achieved a 99% completion rate, underscoring the platform’s effectiveness. Students described the tasks as “easy to understand,” “really inspiring,” and “fun and informative.”  Feedback revealed students valued learning how to align lifestyle, income, and job satisfaction. This holistic approach can build career and financial literacy, empowering youth for future-ready decision-making. Read the case study here: https://lnkd.in/gnxptd3d #ExpandingPathways #Agilities #CareerDevelopment #YouthVoice #CareerLiteracy #EmploymentEmpowerment

In early December, high schoolers in New Mexico had the opportunity to take part in a biannual workforce development tour organized by GEAR UP New Mexico and the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. Learn more:

This article from Patrick O'Donnell does an excellent job unpacking the shortage of opportunities for young adults in the U.S. to gain professional experience in the workplace. He highlight's Jubei Brown-Weaver's experience overcoming difficult odds to get a slot as a cybersecurity apprentice in Washington DC at Accenture--which he describes as "luck of the draw." That's precisely the problem -- if young people represent the future of our country, we can't continue to rely on luck to provide access to opportunity. CityWorks DC, CareerWise USA, The Brookings Institution, New America, American Student Assistance, Advance CTE https://lnkd.in/eZJDA8MY

Why wait until kids are juniors or seniors in high school to start career readiness education when you can reach them as early as middle school? Read about the benefits of providing middle schoolers with career-connected learning opportunities:

Why are the health sciences field a valuable career pathway? - Many jobs do not require a four-year degree - Most jobs are not at risk of automation - The industry is growing rapidly with about 2 million open healthcare positions Learn more:

We're kicking off 2025 by welcoming Chike Aguh to ASA's Board of Directors! Chike brings a breadth of experience to the Board, including his positions as Chief Innovation Officer at the U.S. Department of Labor during the Biden-Harris administration and is currently the Senior Advisor at Harvard University's Project on Workforce. Learn more: https://bit.ly/40cKogy

Mentorship provides more than guidance for young people: It opens up opportunities for economic progress, builds confidence, and prepares them for education and career success. #MentoringMonth Read this opinion piece about how the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami program is helping youth shape their future.

The Sharp Futures Foundation is a nonprofit that aims to equip young Black boys with great haircuts (from barbershops set up in their school), but with mentorship and personal development opportunities. Participants have the opportunity to be mentored by local artists and entrepreneurs. Learn more: