COLLEGE, CAREER, & MILITARY READINESS AT NEISD
It’s never too early to explore your options for college or career opportunities. This section provides information and resources to start planning your future.

College & Career Readiness is committed to helping all students prepare for future college and/or career opportunities. Our department works with campuses and other college-related departments to create and support a college and career ready environment. We encourage all students and parents to start planning early.

Free.

Early Head Start provides comprehensive child and family development services year-round for low-income families with infants and toddlers ages birth to three years.

The program aims to enhance children's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development for school readiness; to support parents' efforts to fulfill their parental roles; and to help parents move toward self-sufficiency.

AVANCE-San Antonio offers a two-option program: a home-based option and a center-based option at licensed childhood development centers.

Home-based Option

• Weekly Home Visits
• Bi-Weekly Group Socializations

Center-based Option

• Infant/Toddler Child Development Classrooms
• Early Childhood Education and Development
• Services for Infants and Toddlers with Special Needs
• Bilingual and Dual Language

Support Services

• Health & Dental Screenings
• Developmental and Social-Emotional Screenings
• Child and Family Mental Health (ECI)
• Nutrition Services and Education
• Home Visits
• Parent Education & Services to Fathers
• Linkage to Community Resources
• Transportation (if needed)

Adult Education

• Parental Engagement & Workforce Pathways

We offer high-quality, early childhood education for children 6 weeks through 3 years.

Head Start is a federally funded program provided at no cost for qualifying families.

Obtaining a postsecondary education increases the odds of breaking the cycle of poverty. College and Career Readiness provides individual guidance to help students successfully transition from high school into postsecondary education (2-year, 4-year, or technical degree). Services offered include one-on-one advising, career exploration, college tours and application/financial aid guidance. 

College and Career Readiness is a program of Good Sam's Youth Development Services (YDS), whose goal is to help young people acquire the life and academic skills necessary for personal success.

YDS exposes youth to new experiences, provides safe spaces to learn, and helps develop a sense of purpose by providing structured, age-appropriate services through five pillars:

• Support Educational Achievement
• Encourage Healthy Decisions
• Explore College and Career Pathways
• Develop Leaders
• Engage Families

Grades: 6th - 12th.

SAISD & Edgewood ISD Students.

For more information about College and Career Readiness, please call 210-434-5531 or email at [email protected].

Ready to Work is unprecedented. No other city in the nation is supporting its residents like we are. With over $110 million in tuition assistance, hundreds of employers, training providers and colleges, community organizations and workforce agencies, we are in it together, for you.

Ready to Work makes continuing your education and finding a quality job easier for you. Your personal Ready to Work coach will help you with every step of the process, from understanding your specific situation, coaching you through career and education planning, enrolling and paying for your classes, increasing your confidence and soft skills, updating your resume, preparing you for interviews, connecting you to new job opportunities, and helping you thrive in your job.

Your journey begins with step one – Register online, call 3-1-1, or visit a Ready To Work Partner Agency.

Our full list of programs can be found here.

Our full list of employers can be found here.

Our Partner Agency, YWCA San Antonio, provides connects San Antonians with no-cost, flexible pathways so they can advance their education and launch in-demand careers. Eligibility Requirements can be found here.

Services include:

• Intake
• Assessment
• Case Management
• Referrals for Training

Mi Carrera is a program for young women in middle and high school. The program addresses the importance of decision making to develop positive relationships and influence career planning. Mi Carrera motivates self-discovery and a means toward a better life that includes higher education, employment, and self-sufficiency.

Classes are held weekly at participating middle and high schools in the San Antonio Area. The classes promote self-awareness and character development, career exploration, job readiness skills, and financial literacy. All girls are encouraged to grow together and learn from one another by volunteering in the community, attending college campus visits and family events.

Mi Carrera addresses a number of topics such as:

• Body Image
• Communication
• Stress Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Relationships
• Goal Setting
• Career Options
• Cultural Awareness

Middle and high school women.

TVP brings together a diverse group of youth ages 13-19 to volunteer in the community. TVP helps teens increase their potential employability through volunteer experience. TVP offers volunteer experiences, related career information, and guidance regarding opportunities for higher education. TVP youth learn communication skills, goal setting and problem-solving.

Teens 13-19 years of age.

The YWCA Olga Madrid Center is a multi-purpose center that is the literal hub of the community, reaching multiple generations in the same families. The Center reflects the community's culture and offers essential services with dignity and respect.

YouthBuild San Antonio is a community-based pre-apprenticeship program that provides job training and educational opportunities.

Youth learn vocational skills in construction, as well as in other in-demand industries, including health care.

Youth also provide community service through the required construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing for low-income or homeless families in their own neighborhoods.

Youth split their time between the vocational training work site and the classroom, where they earn their high school diploma, learn to be community leaders, and prepare for post-secondary training opportunities, including college, apprenticeships, and employment.

YouthBuild San Antonio includes significant support systems, such as mentoring, follow-up education, employment, and personal counseling services; additionally, participants participate in community service and civic engagement projects.

At-risk youth ages 16-24 who have previously dropped out of high school.

The SBA created the 504 loan program to help entrepreneurs finance commercial real estate and equipment for their businesses. Businesses use these loans to finance fixed asset acquisitions such as:

• Purchases of existing buildings
• Land purchases and improvements
• New facility construction
• Existing facility modernizations,
  renovations, and conversions
• Long-term machinery purchases
• Some furniture and fixtures

Businesses in operation for 2 or more years can also use 504 loans to refinance existing debt that meets the following criteria:

• A non-federal loan
• Outstanding for 2 or more years
• Current on all payments for the last 12 months
• It was used originally (85% or more) to finance eligible 504 uses (see above)

The graph to the right shows how LiftFund partners with a participating lender (typically a bank) to finance part of the project. Most projects require a 50-40-10 (Bank Loan-SBA/CDC-Owner) split. However, businesses and/or projects considered “special purpose” require an additional 10% from the owner.

Finding traditional business loans isn’t easy. That’s especially true if you’re a startup, in a risky business industry or both. 

You need capital that can support you — a loan that can help you grow your business so you can prove your success and qualify for a bank loan. If this describes you, the SBA 7A Community Advantage loan program may be the right fit. We’re a partner with SBA and the program funds startups and existing businesses, startup costs, operating expenses, business acquisition, refinancing business debt, tenant improvements, working capital, equipment purchases and more.

Click here to apply for SBA 7A Community Advantage loan.

Terms:  7-10 year term; 25 year term for real estate; Prime + (2.75% to 6%); Variable rate (based on Wall Street)

• Available for start-up and existing businesses;
• SBA guarantee allows us to provide financing;
• Complimentary consultation;
• No prepayment penalties;
• Cash flow must be sufficient for payments;
• Owner Injection: 20% startups, 20% business acquisitions;
• Projections reviewed for businesses affected by COVID19;

LiftFund offers the Community Advantage loan to small businesses located in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas

When you apply for a small business loan through LiftFund, a team member will review your information and documents to find a LiftFund product that fits your business goals and budget. We provide loans for:

• Commercial Real Estate Purchases
• Equipment
• Inventory
• Leasehold Improvements
• Supplies
• Vehicles
• Working Capital

Whether you have limited credit, collateral, or experience, our team will work with you to provide a loan that allows you to build your credit and improve your finances. 

Click here and answer a few questions to find out if you're ready to apply for a loan.

Click here to apply for a loan.

We’re here to help you strengthen your business.

Our special programs, in collaboration with our generous partners, are designed to provide you access to flexible funding and special rates.

Click here to learn more about our special funding options and apply today!

70% of youth in the juvenile justice system have at least one mental health condition. That’s a staggering statistic.

Our goal is to help our clients develop life skills that will help reduce recidivism or a return to incarceration. We help them manage their return to the responsibilities of school, work, and socializing—the things that make life fun and fulfilling. As an added benefit, judges look favorably on one who seeks and finds a support program like ours.

Our Services

• Diagnostic Interview Examination
• Engagement Activity
• Assessment
• Case Management
• Diagnostic Interview Examination
• Family Partner Supports
• Counseling
• Rehabilitative & Skills Training
• Medication Training and Support
• Parent Support Group
• Crisis Intervention
• Housing
• Employment & Education
• Forensic Services

Click here to learn more about our services

We accept STAR, CHIP, PLUS, and all Medicaid/Medicare Insurances.

Are you ready to leave the past behind and start over? For those who want to start a new life, a better life, Changin' Lives is here to offer resources, to listen, and to let you know that you are not alone. We work through your challenges to help you reach your goals.

We want to help you become a self-sufficient, successful, productive citizen of our community by connecting you with felony-friendly employers, affordable housing resources, medical and social services referrals, mentoring, and one-on-one client case management.

By appointment only. Please call during business hours to schedule an appointment.

Free

This program offers:

• Provides family assistance such as diapers, baby clothing, baby food, and baby articles*
• Parenting classes
• Life skills classes
• Case management, resources, and referrals
• Assistance with education, community connection, and career planning
• Other related services necessary for the well-being of the individual and their family

*Limited amount per person/family and based on availability.

Who is Eligible?

• Must be a U.S. citizen or qualified resident
• Must be one of the following:
  • Pregnant
  • Parenting at least one child under 36 months of age

There are no income or insurance requirements to receive services.

Call or email for more information or to schedule a session. 

For more information, or to schedule a session with one of our Outreach Counselors, contact Seton Home at 210-533-3504 ext. 216 or [email protected].

All services are free of charge.

Goal:
To make young people explore a variety of careers, make sound educational decisions, and prepare for the world of work

Program:
CareerLaunch is BGCA's premier career development program providing a range of services to help Club members develop the skills essential for workforce success. This includes not only getting and keeping a job, but also finding a career that fits each member’s interests and talents. Made possible through funding from Gap Foundation, the program has the following features:

• The Career Exploration Quick Reference Guide
• The CareerLaunch Teen Tips booklet
• The CareerLaunch Folders
• The CareerLaunch Website

Boys and Girls Club members ages 13 to 18.

Free.

.The Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio changes lives through high-quality afterschool and summer programs in a safe, affordable, and fun environment.

Afterschool Programming

BGCSA offers a weekday Afterschool Program for kids all through the school year! Our Clubhouses are open weekdays, 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM, making it an easy choice for parents. The daily schedule begins with Power Hour™, an hour dedicated to homework help and completion.

Kids then rotate through age-appropriate activities! Kids will be able to enjoy gym and playground time, sports practices, reading or math tutoring, fine arts, and more! Our preteens and teenagers have more guided activities, such as college visits, career skills building, driving simulations, and leadership and community-service-focused clubs.

BGCSA offers more support by offering transportation to Clubhouse locations. Snacks and/or meals are also provided to all kids before they head home.

Click here to learn more.

Summer Programming

Our Summer Program provides structured activities and a safe place, Monday – Friday, from 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, during 6 weeks of summer break. Similar to our Afterschool Program, youth are engaged in age-appropriate activities focused on curbing the summer learning loss, building character, and forming healthy habits.

Additionally, kids get to attend Club-sponsored field trips to indoor swimming pools, local businesses, outdoor parks, and community attractions. Have no fear parents, kids won’t come home hungry! Healthy and balanced meals and snacks are provided throughout the day during summer programs.

Click here to learn more.

Core Programs

BGCA offers local Clubs tested, proven, and nationally recognized programs that closely align with the developmental needs of all young people. We aim to put our youth on the path to great futures!

Click here and scroll down to learn more.

BGCSA serves kids ages 6 to 18 years old.

Call for membership availability.

Transportation from KIPP Un Mundo Elementary, KIPP Camino Middle School, KIPP Camino High School, YWLA Primary, Carvajal Elementary, Tafolla Middle School, Rhodes Middle School, and Lanier High School.

Clubhouse membership is $100 for the school year and $100 for the summer.

Teen membership is $25 for the summer.

Our HISD extended day programs are on a sliding scale fee and require proof of income to verify household income levels.

Hardship scholarships are readily available; and all military youth or youth on Medicaid Amerigroup are free.

Registration fees are capped at $300 per family.

• Computer Skills Classes

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio provides free membership for military youth to reduce barriers to community and confront the unique challenges facing these young people.

For 30 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the U.S. Armed Services have partnered to provide support and services to military-connected youth on- and off-installation. Because military-connected youth face unique challenges, Boys & Girls Clubs of America helps them access specialized opportunities, cultivate lifelong friendships, and develop the necessary resilience to build great futures.

From rural areas, schools, and inner cities to military installations and on Native lands, a Boys & Girls Club or affiliated Youth Center can be found in all 50 states and 16 countries worldwide, doing whatever it takes to provide a safe environment to help children succeed.

Military families can begin registration by contacting Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio directly at the phone number or email below.

Ready to Work is unprecedented. No other city in the nation is supporting its residents like we are. With over $110 million in tuition assistance and hundreds of employers, training providers, colleges, community organizations, and workforce agencies, we are in it together for you.

Ready to Work makes continuing your education and finding a quality job easier. Your personal Ready to Work coach will help you with every step of the process, from understanding your specific situation, coaching you through career and education planning, enrolling and paying for your classes, increasing your confidence and soft skills, updating your resume, preparing you for interviews, connecting you to new job opportunities, and helping you thrive in your job.

Your journey begins with step one – Register online, call 3-1-1, or visit a Ready To Work Partner Agency.

Our complete list of programs can be found here.

Our complete list of employers can be found here.

Our partner agency, Alamo Colleges District, is a proud partner of Ready to Work, an educational and job placement program to help San Antonio residents improve their quality of life.

This one-of-a-kind program connects San Antonians to education, quality jobs, and, ultimately, well-paid careers that can sustain their families.

Eligibility Requirements can be found here.

Services include:

• Intakes
• Enrollment Coach
• Case Management
• Job Placement
• Training that includes:

• High School Equivalency
• Certification Courses
• Associate Degrees
• Bachelor’s Degrees

Click here for more information.

We’ll coach you from application to enrollment through job placement and long-term success.

Our program is designed to assist students that may not be college ready gain the skills needed for a college training, without first completing developmental education or High School equivalency (GED).

The Alamo Adult Education Initiative provides training and employment assistance to workers and students who require basic skill development in order to succeed in technical training. Alamo Adult Education students benefit from technical training that is aligned with reading, writing, math or language skills needed for the job.

• Earn a certification in a training field of your career pathway
• Accelerated curriculum
• Work-based learning/externships & Career services in certain trainings
• Our Career Navigators case manage all students enrolled in classes.

Some certifications do not require a GED/Diploma; however, the Alamo Adult Education Program will work with you to get your GED and certification.

Click here for more information.

Click here for a list of FAQS.

Anyone applying for any Alamo Adult Education Program must attend the Smart Choice program.

The training is at no cost to the student; however, attendance is top priority to succeed and we hold students accountable for attendance. 

Have you always wanted a different career? Have you been wanting to further your education? Now is the perfect time!

Through Family Service Workforce Development you have access to GED courses, job training, and college classes. We want you to pursue the career of your dreams, and we can help.

New career opportunities can include:

• Certified Nursing Assist. (CNA)
• Community Health Worker Child Development Associate
• Information Technology Security
• Medical Front Office
• Medical Assistant
• Pharmacy Technician

We also connect individuals to GED and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.

To learn how you can make a positive change and start a new, exciting career, contact our Workforce and Financial Sustainability Team, or call (210) 431-4425 to attend an information session.

The Dual Generation program is focused on helping parents go to college or job training and making sure their children receive an appropriate developmental level of education. We can provide childcare for the parents to attend school/training and assist with job placement after completion (or during if needed).

Tuition assistance available for job training programs:

• GED/High School Diploma
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Medical Assistant
• Pharmacy Technician
• Commercial Driver License (CDL)
• Administrative Assistant
• Bookkeeping / QuickBooks
• Medical Front Office
• Phlebotomy
• Child Development Associate (CDA)
• Information Technology
• Entrepreneurship
• Electrical Trade Skills Training

Monthly support and access to:

• Financial Empowerment Sessions
• Job & Career Exploration
• Parenting Classes
• Quality Childcare
• Resume Building
• Supportive Services
• Transportation Assistance

To qualify, a family must:

• have at least 1 child aged 0-10; and
• live in one of these zip codes: 78202, 78203, 78205, 78207, 78208, 78210, 78215, 78218, 78219, 78220, 78222, 78227, 78237.

The NXT Level Youth Opportunity Center, managed by the City's Department of Human Services in coordination with Goodwill and Communities in Schools, assists young adults (16-24) disengaged youth with the steps necessary to go back to school or find a job related to their interest

NXT Level is a City of San Antonio program partnered with Communities in Schools (CIS) and Goodwill Industries. The program serves young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 who are disconnected from education, work, and major societal support systems.

We are committed to providing a safe space where every 16 to 24-year-olds achieves their personal, educational, and/or career goals.

We connect each participant with a life and education/career coach. Coaches offer ongoing case management, counseling, life skills, and referrals to community partners with demonstrated success.

Anyone between the ages of 16-24 who resides in San Antonio qualifies for the services and can either schedule an appointment or walk in to meet with a NXT Level coach.

Free

The NXT Level Youth Opportunity Center, managed by the City's Department of Human Services in coordination with Goodwill and Communities in Schools, assists young adults (16-24) disengaged youth with the steps necessary to go back to school or find a job related to their interest

NXT Level is a City of San Antonio program partnered with Communities in Schools (CIS) and Goodwill Industries. The program serves young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 who are disconnected from education, work, and major societal support systems.

We are committed to providing a safe space where every 16 to 24-year-olds achieves their personal, educational, and/or career goals.

We connect each participant with a life and education/career coach. Coaches offer ongoing case management, counseling, life skills, and referrals to community partners with demonstrated success.

Anyone between the ages of 16-24 who resides in San Antonio qualifies for the services and can either schedule an appointment or walk in to meet with a NXT Level coach.

Free

At the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, we provide vocational rehabilitation services that are tailored to meet the needs and interest of each individual. Are highly skilled staff specialize in working with individuals who are blind or visually impaired, as well as those who are uniquely abled. We provide a wide range of services from basic life skills to advanced technical training to help prepare our customers for independence and success in today's employment market.

Our Programs:

Technology Evaluation and Training: We provide evaluations and training on the latest assistive technology avialable, and specialize in training the vision impaired on mainstream software such as Microsoft and Apple, as well as assistive software. In addition, we work with community organizations and businesses to provide training for staff.

Employment Services and Job Placement: We are proud to offer employment services to assist individuals with preparing for, locating, and maintaining suitable employment. We offer assistance and training in job search, resume writing, job application completion, interviewing skills, and vocational adjustment training (VAT).

School of Business: Our School of Business offers 7 hours that are designed to assist students in refining their marketability into today's workforce. We currently offer seminars in over 15 different areas to include: Introduction to Windows 10, Microsoft Office Word, Microsoft Office Excel, Microsoft Office Outlook, Microsoft Office PowerPoint, and Zoom.

For more information, contact Employment Services at 210-531-1432 or [email protected]. 

Ready to Work is unprecedented. No other city in the nation is supporting its residents like we are. With over $110 million in tuition assistance and hundreds of employers, training providers, colleges, community organizations, and workforce agencies, we are in it together for you.

Ready to Work makes continuing your education and finding a quality job easier. Your personal Ready to Work coach will help you with every step of the process, from understanding your specific situation, coaching you through career and education planning, enrolling and paying for your classes, increasing your confidence and soft skills, updating your resume, preparing you for interviews, connecting you to new job opportunities, and helping you thrive in your job.

Your journey begins with step one – Register online, call 3-1-1, or visit a Ready To Work Partner Agency.

Our complete list of programs can be found here.

Our complete list of employers can be found here.

Our partner agency, Workforce Solutions Alamo, is proud to be an official partner of the Ready to Work initiative, an unprecedented collaborative created to help San Antonians gain access to training, resources, and high-demand jobs, leading to meaningful careers and a better life.

Workforce Solutions Alamo is Ready to Work, and we’re working daily with our partners in the Alamo Workforce Consortium to ensure we allow every San Antonian to better their lives and the lives of their family members through supportive resources and jobs in growing career fields.

Eligibility Requirements can be found here.

Services include:

• Intakes
• Assessments, including O*NET assessments
• Case Management
• Referrals for Training
• Job placement

Click here to apply.

NOTE: When you apply, providing us with a phone number that will not change so we can contact and support you throughout the application and onboarding process is IMPORTANT.

To verify eligibility, specific documentation is required. If you need assistance obtaining these documents, we can help with that, too.

Our One-Stop Career Centers offer job seekers employment information, career development training opportunities, life essentials support, and connections to various programs.

Program services include:

• Child Care Services
• Employer Services
• Job Seeker Services
• Veterans Services
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services
• Youth Empowerment Services (YES!)

Resources include:

• Jobs KIOSK
• Parking Lot WiFi
• Computer Access
• Career Assessment Tools

Click here or call the number below to get started.

Workforce Solutions Alamo (WSA) Youth Empowerment Services (YES!) offers no-cost services to eligible youth between the ages of 16-24 to gain the necessary education, training, and skills to enter the workforce and meet employer needs.

Services offered:

• Tutoring, study skills, training, instruction, and dropout prevention
• Alternative secondary school services or dropout recovery services
• Paid and Unpaid Work Experience
• Occupational Skills Training
• Education offered concurrently with workforce preparation and training for a specific occupation
• Leadership Development Opportunities
• Support Services, Financial Support, incentives
• Mentoring
• Follow-up services
• Guidance and Counseling
• Financial Literacy Education
• Entrepreneurial (Owning a Business) Training
• Labor Market information
• Post-secondary Preparation and Transition Activities

Steps for the YES! program:

• Eligibility Determination
• Objective Assessment
• Development of an ISS (Goal Plan)
• Program Participation
• Follow Up Services

Get started by attending an information session.

• Orientations are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 PM.
• To join, click here or paste this link into a new browser and save it until the next session is about to start.
• For assistance, call (346) 248-7799.
• Meeting ID: 992 5144 0356
• No meeting password is required.
• (Registration on Eventbrite is encouraged but not required.)

Services are based on eligibility.

Ready to Work is unprecedented. No other city in the nation is supporting its residents like we are. With over $110 million in tuition assistance and hundreds of employers, training providers, colleges, community organizations, and workforce agencies, we are in it together for you.

Ready to Work makes continuing your education and finding a quality job easier. Your personal Ready to Work coach will help you with every step of the process, from understanding your specific situation, coaching you through career and education planning, enrolling and paying for your classes, increasing your confidence and soft skills, updating your resume, preparing you for interviews, connecting you to new job opportunities, and helping you thrive in your job.

Your journey begins with step one – Register online, call 3-1-1, or visit a Ready To Work Partner Agency.

Our complete list of programs can be found here.

Our complete list of employers can be found here.

Our partner agency, Workforce Solutions Alamo, is proud to be an official partner of the Ready to Work initiative, an unprecedented collaborative created to help San Antonians gain access to training, resources, and high-demand jobs, leading to meaningful careers and a better life.

Workforce Solutions Alamo is Ready to Work, and we’re working daily with our partners in the Alamo Workforce Consortium to ensure we allow every San Antonian to better their lives and the lives of their family members through supportive resources and jobs in growing career fields.

Eligibility Requirements can be found here.

Services include:

• Intakes
• Assessments, including O*NET assessments
• Case Management
• Referrals for Training
• Job placement

Click here to apply.

NOTE: When you apply, providing us with a phone number that will not change so we can contact and support you throughout the application and onboarding process is IMPORTANT.

To verify eligibility, specific documentation is required. If you need assistance obtaining these documents, we can help with that, too.

Our One-Stop Career Centers offer job seekers employment information, career development training opportunities, life essentials support, and connections to various programs.

Program services include:

• Child Care Services
• Employer Services
• Job Seeker Services
• Veterans Services
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services
• Youth Empowerment Services (YES!)

Resources include:

• Jobs KIOSK
• Parking Lot WiFi
• Computer Access
• Career Assessment Tools

Click here or call the number below to get started.