Early Childhood Training ScholarshipEarly Childhood Training Scholarship
Amy Benson
Amy Benson, Career Advisor

The purpose of this program that is funded by Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation is to improve the quality of Early Childhood Education services in southwest Colorado by supporting early childhood care providers in accessing and engaging in college based professional development.

The program offers:

• Scholarships
• Assistance in navigating Colorado licensing requirements in regards to required college coursework
• Academic advising
• Assistance in selecting college courses
• Financial aid assistance
• Support for completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The Early Childhood Training Scholarships offers scholarships for ECE providers to go to college! To access our online application please contact Amy Benson at abenson@durangoadulted.org.

If you are a childcare provider in southwest Colorado and are interested in obtaining your Colorado Early Childhood Teacher Certification or are trying to complete your Directors Qualifications, contact us today.

For questions, please contact: Amy Benson at 970-385-4354 or abenson@durangoadulted.org.

BOOST: A Career Transitions Program

The BOOST program at the DAEC supports student success at every level. The career advisor helps learners move through adult education and into skills training, college and livable wage careers. Our services include advising, intensive case management, financial assistance, career exploration, and support and referral services to help people move toward financial independence.

Advising and Support Services

BOOST offers advice, problem solving, personal support and resource referrals for any challenges our students are facing. From applying to college, to getting a job, to finding peace of mind, we are here to help students succeed. We serve all students of the Durango and Cortez Adult Education Centers.

• Postsecondary education advising: identification of appropriate and affordable postsecondary education paths; attending college tours; FAFSA application assistance; scholarship research

• Job search support: resume help; career exploration; resources for job search; assistance with job placement

• Short-term assistance: crisis intervention and problem solving; access and referrals to existing community resources (i.e. Medicaid enrollment, obtaining food assistance, eyeglasses, applications for utilities assistance, car repair, etc.)

• Emergency services or crisis intervention: problem solving, emotional support and referrals for students experiencing crisis such as homelessness, mental health, domestic violence

Career Transitions

BOOST career transitions is designed to provide long-term, intensive support for students and graduates who are committed to attaining livable wage careers. DAEC and our supporters offer financial assistance as an investment in individuals who are motivated and demonstrate intention to become self-sufficient.

• Career exploration: skills/personality assessment; job shadow/internship experience; industry research; career pathway planning

• Goal Setting: support to attain personal and professional goals; short and long term goal setting; planning for crisis prevention

• Education/skills training

Become a Business Supporter of BOOST

Building partnerships in the community is a goal of the DAEC. If your business is looking to support an individual on their life-changing path to self-sufficiency, please contact us today. Students in our BOOST program go through a careful selection process to ensure they meet the necessary qualifications so everyone achieves success.

How did BOOST get started?

With a generous start-up contribution from the Michael and Elaine Moravan Foundation and additional funding from the state of Colorado, the BOOST program was able to launch in September of 2015. The BOOST program is modeled after the highly effective Project Self-Sufficiency (PS-S) in Larimer County, Colorado. The BOOST career advisor was trained in best practices by the staff at PS-S and they continue to provide support and guidance as BOOST grows. For more information about the PS-S program, visit: www.ps-s.org.

BOOST program services are available to any student of the Durango Adult Education Center. If a student is facing any barrier to attending classes, learning English, or earning high school equivalency, the career advisor can help problem solve with in-depth knowledge of community resources and dedication to individual success. Students wishing to pursue the more in-depth career transitions program must be at least 18 years old, legal to work in the United States and show commitment and motivation to attain financial independence.

BOOST provides financial support to help bridge the gap between existing community resources. Once a participant has completed the four-part Money Matters course, he or she can apply for educational scholarships or participant assistance funds. Participant assistance can pay any financial barrier that directly impacts a student’s capacity to achieve their goals. From childcare to housing, transportation and rent, the BOOST program’s financial assistance matches a student’s dedication to their own success.

As everyone has individual and unique situations we encourage you to get in touch if you’re facing a barrier. We work to meet the needs of your schedule which means that sometimes we’re out of the office meeting clients where it’s most convenient for them or connecting with our community partners.  Therefore, we may be out of the office during business hours.

While no appointment is necessary, we encourage you to call 970-385-4354 to schedule an appointment. Or feel free drop in and leave a message if the Career Advisor is unavailable.