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3. Average starting salary of participants leaving CPSTP is $27 hourly and after 5 years, $33 hourly.

4. At least 4 individuals own their own homes.

5. In 2023, we added technology training and an internship component in collaboration with IT Biz, Merritt College and East Bay Inter Agency Training Council (EBIATC), whereby 3 current participants are learning the in’s and out’s of working as IT specialists and will, for the first time, be able to do an internship with the County of Alameda’s Information Technology Department.

6. In 2023, we piloted a life coaching component to support participants as they strive toward their goals. Coaching has been integrated into CPSTP in several ways: a) through partnership with Coaching to Discover; b) as part of the IT Biz technology collaboration; c) through the SSA TACT learning collaborative (where 9 TACT trainers are being trained as life coaches); and d) recent certification of the CPSTP Program Coordinator as a certified professional coach.

7. Since 2016, CPSTP has had an unofficial (noncontracted) partnership with a Financial Coach from West Oakland Job Resource Center.

On average, participants have been able to improve credit scores by 50 points and save $5,000. This year’s cohort will participate in a lending circle via the Self-Help Credit Union.

8. Classroom training for participants has been expanded significantly since the start of the program, covering topics such as mental health first aid, CPR, leadership development, life transformation, math for adult learners, grammar and writing, emotional intelligence, peer coaching, and the impacts of poverty on self-development and growth.

9. Employment Counselors and Career Development Specialists continue to refer the most dedicated and committed CalWORKs individuals to apply for the program, and help to interview qualified applicants.

10. CPSTP is more than just a job development program. Year after year, participants say they have most appreciated the support they have received, for learning how to overcome obstacles, for being heard and listened to, for help in overcoming mental challenges, and for the many, many tools they take with them after they graduate from the program.

Recruitment for Cohort #10 began April 3 and interested candidates were invited to attend information sessions on how to apply in early May. If you as an SSA staff member would like to provide support to CPTSP, here are a few ways to get in touch: success@acgov.org or 510-383-5249.

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