High school completion is not usually the number one goal for clients enrolling in young adult transitional living programs. However, it is becoming an essential part of programming because it is an area of need. In the world of young adult transitional living, we are now working with generations who have lived through one to three years of COVID-19 protocols and effects. This experience has limited their ability to develop the social and life skills needed to reach functional independence. Many of these young adults are still in some level of high school completion, even though they are beyond the typical high school age.
While young adults are seeking independent living skills, they also need to complete high school to fulfill their life goals. The programs of Q&A Associates have integrated high school completion options into the curriculum, which also includes extensive life skills training. High school can be completed by enrolling in an accredited online high school that offers a blend of virtual and hands-on academic experiences.
“We are excited to work with Whitmore School, which is in Morgantown, WV,” said Donna Anderson, Education Director. “We have developed a great partnership with the folks at Whitmore who are close enough to visit with us and our clients, which makes this experience much more personal and enjoyable for the students.”
Clients of Q&A Associates can also utilize a GED option for high school completion. As a third option, if a client is currently enrolled in another high school, Q&A will work with that school to complete the program as well.
High school completion is very important, but it must be integrated into the overall programming for individuals transitioning to independence. These clients are getting jobs, learning and practicing social skills, and gaining personal independence while also completing high school. It takes creative scheduling and direct supervision to achieve this goal. By integrating this process into the overall programming, Q&A has been able to meet the academic needs of young adult clients even though there is no brick-and-mortar school.
Angie Shockley, owner and CEO, stated, “We have been able to assist families who are paying for transitional living programs with school district funding because of how we have integrated the academic and life skills programming into our curriculum. While our young adult clients are with us to achieve functional independence, they also need to complete high school, but they have not been able to do so in their public school systems due to special needs or circumstances. The school districts remain responsible for covering the cost of their education, and their circumstances require them to be in a residential program. By incorporating the academics and still focusing on the life skills that they desperately need, we are meeting the needs of this population effectively.”
Shockley went on to state that the Q&A programs are currently working with school districts in New Jersey, Maryland, and Illinois. In the past, the programs have also worked with school districts in New York, Washington, DC, Virginia, and Florida. This is an effective and efficient way to support young adults whose academic progress has been slowed or halted by the ongoing effects of the pandemic.
About Q&A Associates:
Q&A Associates is a West Virginia-based family of Young Adult Transitional Living Programs dedicated to helping individuals achieve lasting change and reach their full potential as functional young adults. Through expert coaching, tailored programs, and a commitment to creating a positive impact, Q&A Associates provides transformative solutions to the challenges clients face as they learn to become adults in today’s world.