Welcome to part II in our blog series “Why Every Teen In Foster Care Needs A Portfolio”.
If you haven’t had a chance to check out part I in the series you can do that right here.
Our Packaged For Success™ Youth Portfolio Development Program helps foster teens put their best foot forward! During our professional portfolio development seminar, youth discover their strengths, record their achievements, create their own definition of success, and plan their future. The end result is a professional portfolio complete with employment tools, academic records, and documentation of community service activities.
5 More Reasons Why Every Teen In Foster Care Needs A Portfolio:
1. A portfolio helps teens set goals.
A portfolio contains personal goals and actions steps. Portfolio development allows teens to see themselves in the future. Writing goals down forces teens to clarify what they want and take action to may it happen. They are also able to see and celebrate their progress. Teens that are clear about what they want to accomplish in life are less likely to make destructive decisions.
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2. A portfolio helps teens see the value in life skills classes.
Conferences and workshops are a common category in professional portfolios. When asked to list the conferences, workshops, seminars, and classes they have participated in, teens understand the importance of ongoing personal development and preparation for life after foster care.
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3. Career exploration is a part of professional portfolio development.
Portfolio development is a way for teens to gather information about a vocation they may have an interest in. It is very important for teens to become actively involved in planning their future and strive for a career and not just a job. Career exploration helps teens map out a path to success. Finding the occupation that matches their skills and abilities makes building a rewarding career simpler.
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4. A professional portfolio empowers teens to seek real world experience.
Our Packaged For Success™ Portfolio Development Program gives teens the chance to practice their interview skills and also encourages teens to seek internships that will introduce them to the work environment. An internship provides teens firsthand experience in a field that interests them and allows them to build professional relationships.
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5. A portfolio may encourage teens to nominate themselves for SPOTLIGHT Teen of the Month.
The process of building a professional portfolio boosts confidence as youth explore and record their accomplishments, capabilities, and goals. The Teen Toolbox “SPOTLIGHT Teen of the Month” honor recognizes a youth (14-21) in the foster care system that is leading a life of promise and making a positive impact in his or her community. Teens in our portfolio development program understand advocacy and the need to be a positive role model and help eliminate negative stereotypes of teens in foster care. Nominations are accepted on a continuous basis.
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Nicki Sanders, MSW, Chief Visionary Officer
The Teen Toolbox utilizes youth portfolio development and civic engagement and academic empowerment strategies to help teens set goals for life after high school and create a road map to reach those goals through its PACKAGED FOR SUCCESS™ Programs. We are committed to supporting and raising awareness about the needs and potential of teenagers in the foster care system.
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