The purpose of this project was to locate a potential funding source and write a grant to increase the positive educational outcomes of unaccompanied minors entering the school system as English Language Learners. This proposed program addresses the scarcity of resources for these students, proposing a comprehensive program that will address the distinctive needs of this vulnerable population. The goal of this project is to implement a program that will provide the tools needed to help improve the educational attainment of unaccompanied minors through the provision of mental health services, employment opportunities, mentorship, and linkages to community resources.

As the number of Mexican and Central American unaccompanied minors entering United States schools increases, it is important to provide supportive services that will help ameliorate the various stressors faced by this population. The W.M. Keck Foundation was selected to fund a comprehensive program to provide services to unaccompanied minors enrolled at James Monroe High School through the Child and Family Guidance Center in the San Fernando Valley. The proposed program will employ a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a BA Employment Specialist and recruit two social work interns to carry out this program in efforts to improve the academic outcomes of these students.