Launched in Fall 2025, the Career & Life Skills Jumpstart program by Fostering Connections builds on the curriculum  of our Career Readiness Academy, extending these lessons into everyday life skills that prepare youth for independence and success throughout the school year and beyond.

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Designed with a trauma-informed, hands-on approach, each class combines real-world learning with encouragement and mentorship in a supportive environment. Each monthly Jumpstart session includes dinner, interactive activities, practical life skills instruction, and opportunities to build meaningful relationships with peers, caring adults, and community partners.

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Click to view Career Readiness Jumpstart Post-Assessment

 

​2026 Monthly In-Person Workshops will be held at the Fostering Connections office - 7751 Belfort Parkway, #200, Jacksonville 32256 (inside Kuna Coworking)

 

Thursday, August 20, 2026 (5:30 - 7:30pm) - Jumpstart Kickoff & Community Night

Team-building activities, an interactive life skills game/challenge, calendar reveal, prizes, and relationship-building to launch the year.

Register ----> HERE

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Thursday, September 17, 2026 (5:30 - 7:30pm) - Money Management & Financial Literacy

Budgeting, banking, credit, saving, taxes, identity theft, and financial decision-making.

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Thursday, October 15, 2026 (5:30 - 7:30pm) - Healthy Relationships, Communication & Self-Advocacy

Boundaries, conflict resolution, healthy relationships, communication skills, and advocating for yourself.

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Thursday, November 12, 2026 (5:30 - 7:30pm) - Career Exploration & Networking Panel – "What's Possible?" Professionals from diverse industries, young professionals, and youth with lived experience share their career journeys, answer questions, and network with participants.

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Thursday, December 10, 2026 (Off-site Location TBA) - Healthy Cooking & Nutrition

Kitchen safety, basic cooking skills, preparing healthy, affordable meals, meal planning, and nutrition basics through a hands-on cooking experience.

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What You’ll Learn

Participants practice essential life and career skills that build confidence at home, in school, and in the workplace.

Current Topics Include:

• Meal Planning & Budgeting: Learn to plan balanced meals, make shopping lists, and stick to a budget.

• Smart Grocery Shopping: Compare prices, read nutrition labels, and make healthy, cost-effective choices.

• Time Management & Organization: Build habits that support success in school and beyond.

• Workplace Readiness: Strengthen professionalism, communication, and teamwork skills.

Future Classes Will Explore:

• Financial Literacy: Understanding checking accounts, savings, and responsible spending.

• Career Exploration: Matching strengths and interests to career paths with tools like Catapult.

• Job Applications & Interviews: How to write a resume, complete applications, and interview with confidence.

• Personal Branding: Building a positive professional image and digital presence.

• Personal Hygiene & Wellness: Developing healthy personal care routines and self-presentation for confidence and success.

• Healthy Relationships: Building communication skills, setting boundaries, and recognizing respectful vs. unhealthy relationships.

• Health & Wellness: Practicing self-care, stress management, and maintaining a healthy daily routine

• Navigating Public Transportation: How to read bus schedules, plan routes, and travel safely and independently.

• Housing & Independence: Understanding leases, utilities, and planning for life on your own.

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Who Can Join

Youth ages 11–18 impacted by foster care, adoption, or kinship care are welcome to participate. Classes are free for Duval County residents and are generously funded by the Kids Hope Alliance. All materials are provided.  At this time, the program is being piloted and is open to youth who reside in Duval county only. Stay tuned for upcoming workshop registration!

 

Not a Duval county resident? We have virtual programs available for youth in the other counties we serve. Click the link to learn more: Virtual Career & Life Skills Jumpstart​

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Interested in bringing this program to your community?
Fostering Connections welcomes partnership opportunities with organizations and agencies in other Florida counties interested in hosting Career & Life Skills Jumpstart classes. Email us to get started!

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Why It Matters

Life skills are the foundation for independence and confidence. Students leave each class with practical tools, supportive relationships, and a clearer vision for their future — one skill at a time.