Caterpillar Foundation Grant

This grant assists youth in designing and implementing an individualized career pathway that will lead to self-sufficiency. There are two areas of focus for the grant:


  1. Strengthening of the Jobs for America’s Graduated (JAG) program for juniors and seniors in high school. JAG is dedicated to preventing dropouts among young people who have serious barriers to graduation and/or employment. JAG has delivered consistent, compelling results – helping young people stay in school through graduation, pursue post-secondary education and secure quality entry –level jobs leading to career advancement opportunities.
  2. Expanding the resources for the young adult program iWork. iWork assists in alleviating poverty by working with participants (16-24 years old) to understand and practice the skills that are required in today’s workforce. The young adults are linked with a career advisor that will assist in developing career goals and next steps. The career advisor will mentor the participant through the program and provide follow up services for one year after completion. The participants begin the program by receive training on basic work ethic skills and career planning. Upon successful completion of the work ethic skills training they will progress to a work experience, occupational skills training, direct employment or other appropriate services.