Of the young teen mothers who come to us, approximately 80% have dropped out of school.  Only about 25% have ever held a job.  On average, they are operating at a fourth grade level of educational achievement when they enter our program.  Almost all are on welfare (multi-generational welfare recipients) or have no income at all.  100% are living in extreme poverty (200% or more below the poverty threshold.)
As studies by Home for the Homeless and the Institute of Children and Poverty have shown, New Moms’ homeless and near-homeless clients must become “job-ready” before they can benefit from job training. 

Our career program provides work-readiness support and workforce development, beginning with crucial pre-training components, including life skills counseling and assessments of vocational interests and aptitudes.  Next, Rising Star moves to job skills, career placement, and job retention.  A 2007 study prepared for the Chicago Alternative Schools Network shows that the average income for a female high school dropout is $8,742; whereas the national average across educational levels is $33,606.  Therefore, education re-enrollment is a key component in New Moms’ attempt to break the cycle of poverty.