The path to self-sufficiency is a lengthy one for our students.
The average length of time for all Montgomery College students to complete an Associate Degree is 4.5 years. In a national study by the Pell Institute, only 11% of low-income, first-generation-to-college students complete a degree within six years.**
Future Link students are frequently required to juggle work, school and family responsibilities. Faced with financial, academic and personal barriers, students often must work many hours leaving time for only one or two classes per semester.
Phase 1 (Short-Term Impact): Seminar Successes
Serving 70-90 students annually
Our 15-week Self-Advocacy and Career Development Seminar is an important start for participants on the path to lasting self-sufficiency. Historically,
- 93% of the young adults enrolled, graduated the seminar.
- 100% leave the seminar with a detailed academic and career plan.
- 100% have made an important professional connection in their career field.
- 99% report increased confidence as a result of the seminar experience.
Phase 2 (Long-Term Impact): Personalized Support & Engagement
Serving 225-275 students annually
Phase 2 includes long-term, intensive post-seminar engagement by offering ongoing assistance and motivation towards completing their education and attaining meaningful employment.
Individualized Services Provided to Active Students in 2018:
- Mentor Matches: 87
- Paid Internships: 30
- Academic Counseling + Career Guidance: 235
- Financial Aid + Scholarship Counseling: 140
- Scholarships Granted: 97
- Academic/Professional Development Workshops + Social Events: 186 attendees
Goal Attainment: Degree Completion & Self-Sufficiency
**Of the students who started with Future Link in 2014 to 2016:
- 40% continue to actively pursue an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree*.
- 45% have earned an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree*.
*This number is likely higher as we lose touch with some students after they transfer to a four-year institution.
Our students have become financially independent and self-sufficient through employment at companies such as KPMG, NCR, Capital One Bank, Supernus, Air Force, Cornerstone (HHS), Shapiro & Duncan, Gary B. Frank HVAC, 355 Toyota, Gallo’s Arrangements, and LabCorp.
The Future Link Difference
“I was floundering and just babysitting to pass the time, but today my life is dramatically different. Thanks to Future Link’s long-term support, I was able to get my Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and am a working professional. Future Link has given me my life back. They have become my family and I am forever grateful.” –Yamu C., Risk Consultant at National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association
“Everything we did in our Future Link class was strategically planned to help us start believing in ourselves and to give us the confidence to take on every opportunity that is presented to us.” –Axel K., Professional Videographer