What is Family Futures downeast?
Designed for Parents & Children
FFD is a two generation college program designed for parents and their children. It’s unique because parents enroll in college preparation and college classes with a cohort of peers, and a coach to help guide them. At the same time, children enroll in high quality education programs. It’s called a 2Gen Program because the WHOLE FAMILY – parents and children – are working together to achieve their goals.
Helping Families Reach their Goals
The purpose of FFD is to help parents and families to reach their goals such as having the financial ability to pay bills, find good jobs, get a college degree, and help their children become successful.
Application FAQ
Who is eligible to enroll in FFD?
Parents who have at least one child under the age of 18 and live in Washington County are eligible. FFD serves families with incomes up to 225% of the federal poverty level.
What is the application process?
- Complete the short application.
- Have a conversation with FFD staff about your goals and circumstances.
- Our admissions committee will review your application and conditionally accept you into FFD or offer other recommendations and resources.
- Once conditionally accepted into FFD, the FFD staff with work with the parent to complete the college application, apply for financial assistance and complete the intake process. We’re with you each step of the way!
How much will it cost?
There is no cost to participate in FFD. FFD will assist you in applying for financial aid to pay for classes and materials. If the financial aid awarded does not cover the cost FFD will assist the family in paying. Early childhood education and youth supports are provided to the children registered with FFD at no cost to the family.
2-gen approach
Education for Parents
Parents enter FFD by participating in the College Transitions program, which provides comprehensive services including gaining study skills, exploration of career and college plans, financial aid, and support to improve math, reading and technology skills. Working with their coach and the instructors from Washington County Adult & Community Education (WCACE), parents complete the admissions process for either UMM or WCCC.
Each fall, parents enroll in a 15-16 credit college program as a cohort – all the parents enrolled in the program take the same courses together. As part-time students, parents take two classes Fall Semester, two Spring Semester, and one class during the first half of the summer session. In addition, parents receive ongoing tutoring from the WCACE staff. Classes are designed to be personally relevant and stimulating to parents.
“Family Futures Downeast was a great support system. The coaches and the other girls helped me get back into the swing of things and kept me going when things got a little tough. I knew I wanted to go back to school and Family Futures Downeast helped me achieve that goal.”
Support
Support from a Coach
We provide each family with intensive support from a coach. The coach assists the family in working to remove any barriers to participate in the program. The coach assists the student throughout the year to learn the complicated college system. The coach helps each student with goal setting, and progression throughout the year, for the family. We also provide Transitional Coaching for parents during the second year of the program. This support may include continuing college supports, job coaching or financial literacy and planning.
2-GEN approach
Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education is provided to all FFD children under 8 years old at Downeast Community Partner’s early childhood centers co-located on the UMM and WCCC campuses. Each evening, while parents attend their classes, children are receiving high-quality, early childhood education and care from a team of certified early education teachers and trained professionals. Teachers work on social and emotional development skills that will help children be school-ready. With a goal of children reading at or above grade level by Grade 3, DCP teachers work on language development and literacy to help families reach that goal. For many FFD children, this is their first time in any formal child care or early education setting. The Centers can help children build relationships with other children and teachers, and become ready for pre-school, Head Start or K-12 education.
Coaches work individually with parents to identify resources for FFD Youth ages 9-13, supporting on-campus education and recreation, kinship care or supervised activities with trusted individuals or community youth programs.
after the program
Helping Families Dream Big
After completing the 15-credit program at either UMM or WCCC, families can receive up to an additional year of coaching supports from our Transitions Coach.
Building Skills
Transitional Coaching
Whether parents plan to continue on to an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree or seek additional professional credentials through a certificate program, the Transitions Coach can help. Working together with the parent to connect them to campus-based resources, the coach will ensure that they are accessing community services that could support them until they complete their degree.
For parents that enter or re-enter the workforce, the Transitions Coach can help build career development skills. They work on resumes and interviewing, identify and resolve barriers to obtaining and retaining employment, and help identify key community resources and natural supports to improve success in the workplace. Some parents may also have entrepreneurial plans for small business. The coach can connect the family to community business training, consultation and workshops to help grow a business.
A Whole Family Approach to Jobs
Workforce and Economic Development
Right from the start of FFD, students are learning about their own abilities, interests and possible career pathways through individual assessments with staff from Washington County Adult and Community Education. Campus faculty and staff can help students connect their education goals and their career goals. And coaches encourage FFD parents to dream big; coaches work closely with parents to improve the family income and economic opportunities. They help families with financial barriers that impact both education and career opportunities. An important part of FFD is envisioning ways in which students can access meaningful work that pays them a living wage and can change the trajectory for the whole family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Application & Admission
Who is eligible to enroll in FFD?
Parents who have at least one child under the age of 18 and live in Washington County are eligible. FFD serves families with incomes up to 225% of the federal poverty level.
Can I attend if I was “not successful” attending college before?
Yes, you may be eligible. We will review any prior credits and if you have not earned credits for the classes that are a part of the FFD curriculum and meet all other requirements you may be eligible.
What if I already have some college credits?
If you have earned credits for any of the college classes offered through FFD, your transcripts will be reviewed by the FFD Academic Supports committee. There may be alternative courses to substitute in order for you to participate in the program. Your coach, the committee and campus faculty will work with you to determine the best option for you.
Can I attend if I owe money to the college?
Yes, it may still be possible. FFD staff can work with you, college financial aid offices and student loan companies to try and get you eligible as soon as possible.
What is the application process?
- Complete the short application.
- Have a conversation with FFD staff about your goals and circumstances.
- Our admissions committee will review your application and conditionally accept you into FFD or offer other recommendations and resources.
- Once conditionally accepted into FFD, the FFD staff will work with you to complete the college application, apply for financial assistance, and complete the intake process. We’re with you each step of the way!
How much will it cost?
There is no cost to participate in FFD. FFD will assist you in applying for financial aid to pay for classes and materials. If the financial aid awarded does not cover the cost, FFD will assist the family in paying. Early childhood education and youth supports are provided to the children registered with FFD at no cost to the family.
About FFD
What is the Coach and What do they do?
Family Futures Downeast provides you with intensive support from a Coach. Your coach assists you in working to remove barriers to help you to participate in the program.
They will assist you through the year to learn the complicated college system.
Your coach assists you with goal setting, and progression throughout the year.
What is the Summer Preparation course?
FFD begins with a college preparation course the summer before classes begin. This class, provided by WCACE, helps you to be ready for college and settle into a routine with your children. There is no grade for this class.
What if I don't have a computer and internet at home?
Family Futures Downeast loans a laptop and wi-fi hot spot to each participant to use during the program.
Do I need to travel to campus?
All classes are online and remote. If you need to get to campus, you will receive a Pex card for travel to and from the campus if needed. If you do not have reliable transportation, FFD will work with you to ensure you can attend and participate in programming.
Is there a place on campus I can study?
Family Futures Downeast has a Family Center on each campus. Each center is set up so you can study and meet with your coach.
What happens if I need extra help with homework?
Family Futures Downeast is partnered with Washington County Adult & Community Education, who provides College Transitions classes each summer, and free individual tutoring students.
Not sure if you’re ready to apply?
Please complete an interest form and a member of our team will reach out to talk about your options and whether FFD is right for you and your family. You can also reach out directly to a member of our team.
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Students continue in college
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of parents feel more hopeful about their children's futures
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