On March 30, 2012, CASES’ Career Exploration program was awarded a $3,500 grant by the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens. CASES is one of more than 250 organizations nationwide that will receive a portion of the $2.7 million allotted for the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens’ Graduate To Go™ program.

CASES’ Career Exploration program provides career training services to 140 court-involved youth every year. These services include job readiness training workshops, individual career counseling, placement in 10-week paid internships, and services for alumni that help program graduates stay in school and prepare for college. The program is a two-time winner of The Promising and Effective Practices Network Award by the National Youth Employment Coalition.

Graduate To Go™ is a long-term effort, launched by the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens, to raise awareness of the high school dropout crisis and encourage teens to obtain their diplomas. The initiative funds real-world experiences, such as job training and college preparation, which are proven to motivate teens to stay in school. Funds were raised through local Taco Bell restaurant owners and Taco Bell customers.