Counselors in Training

The Counselor in Training (CIT) is the culmination of a process instituted by For The Children Inc. (FTC)/Barton Community Beacon Center (BCBC)/Teen Zone to recognize the leadership and growth of selected youth.   He or she must be attendance for at least 80% of the program and must maintain a 2.00 GPA or higher. These youth should have volunteered with the For The Children Inc/ BCBC/Teen Zone and other institutions such as Head Start, School District, Childcare Centers, Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Law firms and others through a several year process of growth and development.  They should have been participating in youth asset building programs for middle school year and remained as volunteers with the program.  In the system developed by the For The Children Inc, / Barton Community Beacon Center/Teen Zone, this progress may result in the opportunity to be hired by the For The Children or these institutions noted above, at minimum wage, for a summer as a CIT. Three clubs are offered during the summer months:

  School based Learning: This club targets Middle School youngsters ages 11-13. They learn employability skills and offer career awareness/exploration, counseling to help interested students identify, select their interest, goals, and possible career majors. Ongoing evaluation to identity academic strength and weakness, academic goals, and opportunities will be available to assist student’s progress. Those enrolled and successfully completed the club receive a stipend of $ 250 to assist with school clothes and supplies. Fifteen youngsters are selected and served.

Work-based Learning: This club targets potential drop out and overage teen in school ages 14-20. Those students who are struggling in school will continue to work in small group and one on one tutorial on site and will perform a total of 100 hours of community services with a selected mentor. Upon successful completion of the nine weeks summer program, participant will earn a stipend of $400.

Job Placement: This Club will target youngsters who are making honor roll and keeping a C average in all classes. These youngsters will be placed with a mentor and earn minimum wage or higher bases on work competencies. We will focus on the following areas: cosmetology, child care, home health, office assistant, paramedic, police officer, teaching, law, firefighter, entrepreneur, medical assistant, prep cook, public works and entertainment. Since our primary goal is to keep youth in school, therefore, ongoing student work schedules and grades will be monitored in order to develop a feasible work and academic plan for each youngster.

College Readiness Workshop will  be provided for teens and their guardians on how to acquiere financial Aid, assistance with application and  getting ready for the road trips.