College & Career Readiness

Career Pathways is a workforce development initiative designed to support students enrolled or looking to enroll in a CT State certificate program who are pursuing careers in healthcare. In partnership with Norwalk Hospital, the program helps students explore career opportunities within the healthcare field through paid internships while building the skills and confidence needed to succeed in both their education and future employment. Through individualized coaching and structured supports, participants are guided as they navigate academic demands, career planning, and the transition into the healthcare workforce.

Career Pathways recognizes that persistence and success in higher education and healthcare careers often depend on more than academics alone. Participants receive wraparound support focused on goal setting, professional skills, and overcoming barriers that can interfere with completion or employment, including transportation, financial stressors, and competing life responsibilities. By supporting the whole student, Career Pathways is helping students reach their goals.

Ready for Independence, Success, and Employment (RISE) is a workforce readiness and skill-building program designed for individuals who are already participating in other Family & Children’s Agency programs, including ASPIRE, Foster Care, Behavioral Health, and more. RISE provides participants with additional support as they begin to think about employment, education, and long-term goals, helping them build the foundational skills needed to move toward greater independence and stability.

The program focuses on practical workplace readiness, including communication, time management, problem solving, and understanding employer expectations, while also addressing personal and systemic barriers that can impact employment success. By integrating workforce preparation into existing FCA services, RISE offers a coordinated, supportive approach that meets participants where they are and helps them take meaningful next steps toward education, training, or employment.

The ASPIRE after-school program, located in Norwalk's old Benjamin Franklin School building, works with local middle and high school youth to motivate and educate students through academic engagement, parent education, social skill building, and career exploration. FCA provides transportation for all students during the school year. For more information about the middle school, high school, and summer components, click here.