2019-20 Unit Plan
Inspiring Scholars

Mission Statement

The goal of Inspiring Scholars is to help current and former foster youth get into college, stay in college, and reach their academic goals- be that an associate's degree, certificate or transfer to another college or university.

Program Description

The Foster Youth (FY) Program at Butte College offers support for Butte College students who were in foster care for at least one day. Activities include bringing about campus-wide awareness, staff training, supporting the priority registration process for FY, developing academic support programs focused on the needs of current or former FY, and maintaining a center designated specifically for FY. The Program also conducts outreach to foster youth in Butte and surrounding counties and collaborates with agencies interested in supporting college access and college success of foster youth.

Accountability for Previously Funded Items

Accountability Item 1

Program Coordinator's Salary and Benefits- Student Equity and Cooperating Agencies Foster Youth Educational Support (CAFYES)

Amount: 86330.00
Used For Intended Purpose: Yes
Benefit

Freed up funds for direct services to students
Institutionalized the position

Accountability Item 2

Inspiring Scholars' Secretary Salary and Benefits- Student Equity and Cooperating Agencies Foster Youth Educational Support (CAFYES)

Amount: 55863.00
Used For Intended Purpose: Yes
Benefit

Freed up funds for direct services to students
Institutionalized the position

Accountability Item 3

Inspiring Scholars' Part-Time Academic Counselor- SSSP

Amount: 47902.00
Used For Intended Purpose: Yes
Benefit

Made immediate drop-in appointments available for students
Consistency of meeting with the same counselor located in the Inspiring Scholars Office provides students more security and confidentiality
Enables meeting the unique needs of foster youth
Provides personal counseling as needed (MFT)

Accountability Item 4

One Federal Work Study Student Assistant Postion assigned to Inspiring Scholars 20/week

Amount: 7310.00
Used For Intended Purpose: Yes
Benefit

Freed up funds for direct services to students
Provide employment opportunities for foster youth
Provide work experience for foster youth
Provide a network of peer support and inclusiveness within the office

Accountability Item 5

Funding for a Student Employment Program and Childcare for Parenting Foster Youth on Campus-Student Equity

Amount: 32000.00
Used For Intended Purpose: Yes
Benefit

Helped 17 former foster youth students get jobs on campus
Provided a safe, supervised environment for children of former foster youth on campus
Incorporates time for students to do homework and accomplish academic goals
Held students accountable by requiring progress reports and remain in 6 units
Provides on-the-spot parent education

Accountability Item 6

Operating Budget for Inspiring Scholars- The Foundation for Community College's YESS-ILP Grant

Amount: 22500.00
Used For Intended Purpose: Yes
Benefit

Allowed for purchase of office supplies
Provided catering for students
Textbook support services
Travel for staff and students
Paid for student fees that allowed foster youth to register for classes
Provided summer programming for students, including ILP youth, and trips within the community

Student Learning/Administrative Unit Outcomes (Optional)

Inspiring Scholars will continue to work on SLO's for the Fall 2019 semester

Standards/Goals for Student Achievement (Instruction Departments) (Optional)

n/a

Standards/Goals for Student Achievement (All Other Departments) (Optional)

Strategic Direction (Optional)

Program Review (Optional)

Department Goals

Inspiring Scholars department goals include:

Peer Mentoring
50% funding for full-time Student Success Specialist
Increase Number of Students Served
Increase Foster Youth Student Employment on Campus
Institutionalize Inspiring Scholars Program
Increase Number of CAFYES Students Served

Future Development Strategies

Strategy 1 - Peer Mentoring

Pilot a peer mentoring program beginning Fall 2019

Initiatives

Enhancing a Culture of Completion and Goal Achievement
Supporting Student, Faculty and Staff Success
Using Data-Informed Processes for Continuous Improvement
Maximizing Resources to Support Student Learning
Enhancing a Culture of Equity and Inclusiveness

Supporting Rationale

Mentoring has proven to have positive impacts on student outcomes including, retention, completion, GPA, graduation, and transfer. Most foster youth lack positive role models in their lives. Having a mentor to model behaviors that lead to achievement of goals in education and/or employment helps increase the educational outcomes of our foster youth which leads to increased self-esteem, improved mental health and financial independence. Studies also show mentors also benefit from being mentors, providing help for two students at the same time.

Supporting Rationale Alignment
Supports Previous Program Review Recommendations: Yes
Supports Changes from Student Learning Outcomes Assessment: No
Supports Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement: Yes
Improving Student Achievement: Yes
Addressing Strategies Identified by the Department Learning Outcomes Reports: No
Addressing Outstanding Program Review Recommendations: Yes
Supporting the College's Strategic Direction and Priorities: Yes

Strategy 2 - 50% funding for full-time Student Success Specialist

Increase hours of Student Success Specialist from part-time to full-time to provide academic support for students including:

Inreach and outreach on campus and within the community
Job development
Teach foster youth important life management skills
Establish a peer mentoring program
Establish an academic support program

Initiatives

Enhancing a Culture of Completion and Goal Achievement
Supporting Student, Faculty and Staff Success
Using Data-Informed Processes for Continuous Improvement
Maximizing Resources to Support Student Learning
Enhancing a Culture of Equity and Inclusiveness

Supporting Rationale

Inspiring Scholars has created a supportive community for foster youth attending the college. While engaged students have seen some improvement in their academic outcomes, more progress is needed for foster youth to have comparable outcomes to the general population of students. A Student Success Specialist will provide needed academic support for foster youth participating in Inspiring Scholars.

Supporting Rationale Alignment
Supports Previous Program Review Recommendations: Yes
Supports Changes from Student Learning Outcomes Assessment: No
Supports Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement: Yes
Improving Student Achievement: Yes
Addressing Strategies Identified by the Department Learning Outcomes Reports: No
Addressing Outstanding Program Review Recommendations: No
Supporting the College's Strategic Direction and Priorities: Yes

Strategy 3 - Increase Number of Students Served

Continue to Increase Student Participation in the Program

Initiatives

Enhancing a Culture of Completion and Goal Achievement
Supporting Student, Faculty and Staff Success
Using Data-Informed Processes for Continuous Improvement
Enhancing a Culture of Equity and Inclusiveness

Supporting Rationale

Inspiring Scholars has seen increased student utilization of program resources, staff support, and program activities each semester. We would like to continue to see increased usage by students, as we believe this will lead to greater retention, persistence, and completion rates for foster youth attending Butte College.

Supporting Rationale Alignment
Supports Previous Program Review Recommendations: Yes
Supports Changes from Student Learning Outcomes Assessment: No
Supports Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement: Yes
Improving Student Achievement: No
Addressing Strategies Identified by the Department Learning Outcomes Reports: No
Addressing Outstanding Program Review Recommendations: No
Supporting the College's Strategic Direction and Priorities: No

Strategy 4 - Increase Foster Youth Student Employment on Campus

Increase Outreach and Secure Funding to Increase Foster Youth Student Employment on Campus

Initiatives

Enhancing a Culture of Completion and Goal Achievement
Supporting Student, Faculty and Staff Success

Supporting Rationale

During the Fall 2018 semester we integrated an Inspiring Scholars Work-Study Program, which is only available to CAFYES students, leaving 3 out of 4 foster youth unable to participate.

Student Employment is correlated with better academic outcomes. At the same time, employment provides life skills, increased feelings of self-worth, and money for students who struggle financially. The program would like to increase the number of foster youth employed on campus through advocacy and by securing funding to allow departments to hire foster youth as student assistants.

Supporting Rationale Alignment
Supports Previous Program Review Recommendations: No
Supports Changes from Student Learning Outcomes Assessment: No
Supports Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement: Yes
Improving Student Achievement: No
Addressing Strategies Identified by the Department Learning Outcomes Reports: No
Addressing Outstanding Program Review Recommendations: No
Supporting the College's Strategic Direction and Priorities: No

Strategy 5 - Institutionalize Inspiring Scholars Program

Establish a sustainable source of funding for program operating expenses.

Initiatives

Enhancing a Culture of Completion and Goal Achievement
Supporting Student, Faculty and Staff Success
Using Data-Informed Processes for Continuous Improvement
Maximizing Resources to Support Student Learning
Enhancing a Culture of Equity and Inclusiveness

Supporting Rationale

With continuing changes to the State and College budgets, it is important to continue to seek secure and sustainable program funding to be able to continue to support this student population. The Inspiring Scholars operating budget is funded by CAFYES and other categorical funds and ideally we would like it institutionalized.

Strategy 6 - Increase Number of CAFYES Students Served

Increase recruitment and retention of CAFYES Eligible students

Initiatives

Enhancing a Culture of Completion and Goal Achievement
Supporting Student, Faculty and Staff Success
Using Data-Informed Processes for Continuous Improvement
Maximizing Resources to Support Student Learning
Enhancing a Culture of Equity and Inclusiveness

Supporting Rationale

Inspiring Scholars received funding to support CAFYES foster youth - those students who were in care at age 16 and who are under the age of 26. We would like to increase recruitment and retention of these students. We would also like to increase the number of eligible students who seek support through Inspiring Scholars, but don't end up becoming CAFYES students. These students are vulnerable and could use additional academic support. By reaching these students, we can provide them funding and resources to allow them to succeed in college.

Supporting Rationale Alignment
Supports Previous Program Review Recommendations: Yes
Supports Changes from Student Learning Outcomes Assessment: Yes
Supports Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement: Yes
Improving Student Achievement: Yes
Addressing Strategies Identified by the Department Learning Outcomes Reports: Yes
Addressing Outstanding Program Review Recommendations: Yes
Supporting the College's Strategic Direction and Priorities: Yes

Requested Non-Financial Resources

N/A

Current Financial Resources

Walter S. Johnson Foundation- Rollover of unused grant funds from grant which ended in December of 2016.

YESS-ILP Grant- $22,500 annually for activities supporting the educational, financial, daily living, and employment education of current and former foster youth attending Butte College. Grant secured October of 2016.

Student Equity Funding- Currently Funding 20% of the Program Coordinator and Secretary's Salary and Benefits.

SEAP (formerly SSSP) Funding-Currently Funding 21 hours/week of Academic Counseling for Inspiring Scholars.

CAFYES-Beginning Fall 2018, initially provided funding for space improvments and will provide an ongoing allocation for foster youth meeting program criteria.

Augmentation Requests

Original Priority	Program, Unit, Area	Resource Type	Account Number	Object Code	One Time Augment	Ongoing Augment
Description	Supporting Rationale		Potential Alternative Funding Sources		Prioritization Criteria
1	Inspiring Scholars	Personnel	To be determined		$0.00	$35,000.00
50% funding for full-time Student Success Specialist	Currently all of the part-time, interim Student Success Specialist's salary is funded through CAYFES. We would like to increase his position to full-time to meet student demand.		Student Equity and Achievement Program		Addressing Health/Life/Safety issues Implementing the 2019-2020 Strategic Direction Priorities Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement Addressing Program Review Recommendations Implementing improvements identified during Outcomes Assessment Implementing AB 705 Closing Equity Gaps Meeting enrollment targets Meeting student achievement goals Fostering a Culture of Inclusiveness Improving Processes: a. Data and Reporting; b. Internal Communications
2	Inspiring Scholars	Personnel	122587021601000	52110	$0.00	$97,130.00
Institutionalize Program Coordinator	The full-time Program Coordinator is currently being funded through CAFYES. Institutionalizing this position is needed to provide long-term program security for foster youth.		Strong Workforce Student Equity and Achievement Program		Maintaining ongoing operations at current levels (excludes grants) Addressing Health/Life/Safety issues Implementing the 2019-2020 Strategic Direction Priorities Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement Addressing Program Review Recommendations Implementing improvements identified during Outcomes Assessment Implementing Guided Pathways: a. Strategic Scheduling; b. Hobsons Starfish Closing Equity Gaps Meeting enrollment targets Meeting student achievement goals Fostering a Culture of Inclusiveness Improving Processes: a. Data and Reporting; b. Internal Communications
3	Inspiring Scholars	Personnel	122587021601000	52120	$0.00	$58,656.00
Institutionalize Secretary II Position	Inspiring Scholars has grown tremendously since being established in October 2014. The program has seen many more students taking advantage of program offerings. Additionally, many community members are now seeking assistance in connecting current and former foster youth with Butte College. The full-time Secretary is currently being funded through CAFYES. Institutionalizing this position is needed to provide long-term program security for foster youth.		Strong Workforce Student Equity and Achievement Program		Maintaining ongoing operations at current levels (excludes grants) Addressing Health/Life/Safety issues Addressing Program Review Recommendations Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement Implementing the 2019-2020 Strategic Direction Priorities Implementing improvements identified during Outcomes Assessment Implementing Guided Pathways: a. Strategic Scheduling; b. Hobsons Starfish Closing Equity Gaps Meeting enrollment targets Meeting student achievement goals Fostering a Culture of Inclusiveness Improving Processes: a. Data and Reporting; b. Internal Communications
4	Inspiring Scholars	Personnel	SEAP	51490	$0.00	$57,375.00
Dedicated Academic Counselor for Foster Youth	Dedicated academic counseling will lead to increased retention, faster course completion and graduation rates, and a more meaningful college experience for foster youth at Butte College.		Strong Workforce Student Equity and Achievement Program		Maintaining ongoing operations at current levels (excludes grants) Addressing Health/Life/Safety issues Implementing the 2019-2020 Strategic Direction Priorities Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement Addressing Program Review Recommendations Implementing improvements identified during Outcomes Assessment Implementing Guided Pathways: a. Strategic Scheduling; b. Hobsons Starfish Closing Equity Gaps Meeting enrollment targets Meeting student achievement goals Fostering a Culture of Inclusiveness Improving Processes: a. Data and Reporting; b. Internal Communications Implementing AB 705
5	Inspiring Scholars	Personnel	To Be Established	52368	$0.00	$10,830.00
Increase Foster Youth Student Employment On Campus	Student Employment supports program outreach and retention, while benefiting those receiving student employment funds.		Student Equity and Achievement Program		Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement Maintaining ongoing operations at current levels (excludes grants) Addressing Health/Life/Safety issues Implementing the 2019-2020 Strategic Direction Priorities Addressing Program Review Recommendations Implementing improvements identified during Outcomes Assessment Closing Equity Gaps Meeting enrollment targets Meeting student achievement goals Fostering a Culture of Inclusiveness Improving Processes: a. Data and Reporting; b. Internal Communications
6	Inspiring Scholars	Operating Expenses	To Be Established	54500	$0.00	$20,000.00
Supplies	To institutionalize the Inspiring Scholars Program, funding is needed for basic operating expenses; printer paper, printer cartridges, postage, etc. Funding is also needed for program activities and outreach to increase retention, persistence, and completion of foster youth attending Butte College.		Student Equity and Achievement Program		Maintaining ongoing operations at current levels (excludes grants) Addressing Health/Life/Safety issues Implementing the 2019-2020 Strategic Direction Priorities Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement Addressing Program Review Recommendations Implementing improvements identified during Outcomes Assessment Implementing Guided Pathways: a. Strategic Scheduling; b. Hobsons Starfish Closing Equity Gaps Meeting enrollment targets Meeting student achievement goals Fostering a Culture of Inclusiveness Improving Processes: a. Data and Reporting; b. Internal Communications
7	Inspiring Scholars	Operating Expenses	To Be Established	54500	$0.00	$10,000.00
School supplies & textbooks for students	Institutionalizing the Inspiring Scholars Program by purchasing school supplies and textbooks will support students whose financial aid is not yet available.		Student Equity and Achievement Program		Maintaining ongoing operations at current levels (excludes grants) Addressing Health/Life/Safety issues Implementing the 2019-2020 Strategic Direction Priorities Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement Addressing Program Review Recommendations Implementing improvements identified during Outcomes Assessment Closing Equity Gaps Meeting enrollment targets Meeting student achievement goals Fostering a Culture of Inclusiveness Improving Processes: a. Data and Reporting; b. Internal Communications