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Reconnect to Opportunity
Children, Youth and Young Adults Division
Reconnect to Opportunity supports young people ages 16 to 24, who have not finished high school. We also help those who finished, but are unsure about the next steps. We can connect you with education, employment, and post-secondary training opportunities in King County, WA.
Regardless of the challenges you may be dealing with, ReOpp’s outreach team will offer you program options to consider, help you find the best fit opportunity, and assist with the enrollment or application process. We will stick with you, so if a program is not a good fit, we will try again until we get it right.
For More Information
We believe that:
Everyone deserves a second chance.
No matter where you come from, or whatever your past experiences in school, you deserve a good education.
Positive relationships are essential.
You deserve a support system that builds you up and keeps you connected. Caring, respectful, and non-judgmental relationships can help you accomplish your goals.
There is more than one path to success.
We will meet you where you are at. We want you in the driver’s seat as you explore options and work towards your education and employment goals.
Are you considering reconnecting with education?
Are you considering reconnecting with education? Here are some of the questions that young adults in your shoes have asked us.
CAN I STILL GET A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA IF I DROPPED OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL?
Absolutely. There are programs that will let you keep any credits you’ve already earned and will help you figure out what you still need to get your high school diploma.
CAN I STILL GET A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA IF I AM OLDER THAN 21?
Yes! High School 21+ is a great option for young people looking to earn their high school diploma who have already turned 21. Many community and technical colleges in King County currently offer a High School 21+ program.
WHAT IS A GED AND WHAT CAN IT DO FOR ME?
The GED, which stands for General Education Development, is a high school equivalency test with four subject areas. Like a high school diploma, a GED can help you get a better job and enroll in college or other training programs.
CAN I GO TO COLLEGE IF I PASS THE GED?
Definitely – there are even dual enrollment programs that can help you work towards passing the GED while earning college credits. Many programs can link you with Seattle Education Access, whose staff can help you make the transition to college, whether for a four-year, two-year or a shorter-term training program.
CAN I ENROLL IN A RE-ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM AS AN UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANT?
Yes! High School 21+ is a great option for young people looking to earn their high school diploma who have already turned 21. Many community and technical colleges in King County currently offer a High School 21+ program.
If I pass the GED instead of a diploma can I still qualify for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)?
Definitely. And, we can connect you to a program with a case manager who can help you out with both your GED and your DACA paperwork!
CAN I STILL GET A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA IF I DROPPED OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL?
Absolutely. There are programs that will let you keep any credits you’ve already earned and will help you figure out what you still need to get your high school diploma.
HOW DO I KNOW IF IT’S BETTER TO FINISH MY DIPLOMA OR WORK TOWARDS THE GED?
That’s up to you. There are a lot of factors to consider, including how many credits you have already earned, how much time you have to spend on a diploma or GED, and what your future goals are. Our team is more than happy to help you think this through. Let’s talk!
WHAT IF I’M NOT READY TO FOCUS ON MY FUTURE?
That’s okay. If you want help getting ready to focus on your future, our team is more than happy to have that conversation with you. If not, we’ll be here when you’re ready.
Maria Guizar
Opportunity Youth System Manager
Maria Guizar, MSW has 15 years of experience in the behavioral health field, working with youth, families, survivors of domestic violence, and veterans. She passionately promotes gender equality, and equity and social justice. She has worked with the King County Department of Community and Human Services for over nine years. Previously, she worked for the Behavioral Health and Recovery Division managing juvenile justice programs that provided behavioral health services to youth and families.
Mrs. Guizar has a Master in Social Work from the University of Utah and Bachelor in Psychology and Spanish from Central Washington University. She is passionate about working with youth and empowering them to pursue their dreams in education, training and/or employment. In Maria’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, working out and traveling.
Malcolm
Community Outreach Manager
Malcolm is a Seattle native and San Diego dreaming from time spent in the U.S. Navy. Community growth and supporting youth are two of the main areas that fuel his desire to become a leader. Working at Southwest Youth and Family Services from 2016 to 2019 contributed Malcolm’s deep understanding of trauma-informed care, adaptive case management, and best equitable practices. Prior to working at SWYFS, he spent 5 years working in intelligence for the Southwest Naval Region and volunteered his free time working with a youth development program for families that were deployed. He is a student of the Social Sciences program at National University. In Malcolm’s spare time, he enjoys working out, cooking, photography, and art.
Community Voices
“I FELT LIKE I COULDN’T BE WHO I REALLY WAS THERE. I HAD TEACHERS TELLING ME I HAD TO BE SOMEONE I WASN’T. HERE, I CAN TELL TEACHERS WHAT I NEED AND THEY’LL HELP ME…” “… IF IT WASN’T FOR TEVIN, I WOULDN’T KNOW THIS OPTION WAS OUT THERE.”
– Avion
“I’M A HELPFUL PERSON. I LIKE TO DO COMMUNITY SERVICE. I ACTUALLY DID A TOY DRIVE AND GAVE IT TO A POLICE DEPARTMENT TO GIVE TO KIDS THAT HAVE BEEN VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. I KNOW IT SOUNDS WEIRD BUT I WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A PERSON’S LIFE EVEN IN A MINOR WAY. EVEN IF IT IS JUST ONE LIFE, I WANT TO MAKE THE WORLD A BIT SAFER”
– Delia
“ALTHOUGH RESOURCES AREN’T GIVEN TO YOU, THE RESOURCES ARE OUT THERE. I WOULD SAY FIND SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN THROUGH WHAT YOU’RE GOING THROUGH AND ASK FOR SUPPORT.”
– Hikma
“I WANT TO GO TO A TECHNICAL COLLEGE AND GET MORE HANDS ON SKILLS AND MAKE A CAREER. PSSC SETS EVERYONE UP SO PERFECTLY. THEY GET YOU HANDS ON SKILLS RIGHT AWAY, SO NOW I CAN GO TO A TECHNICAL COLLEGE ALREADY HAVING SOME SKILLS.”
– Inecio
News and Events
Community Courts are alternative problem-solving courts which differs from traditional court in that it seeks to identify and address the underlying challenges of court participants that may contribute to further criminal activity. Its goal is to build stronger and safer...
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Catch ReOpp in Community Court!
Community Court
Community Courts are alternative problem-solving courts which differs from traditional court in that it seeks to identify and address the underlying challenges of court participants that may contribute to further criminal activity. Its goal is to build stronger and safer neighborhoods and reduce recidivism.
ReOpp will be at both the Redmond and Burien Community Courts so come say hi!
Burien Community Court
- Hours: Mondays, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Location: Burien Community Center – 14700 6th Ave SW
- Judge: King County District Court Judge Laurel Gibson
Redmond Community Court:
- Hours: Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Location: Redmond Library – 15990 NE 85th St
- Judge: King County District Court Judge Lisa Paglisotti
ReOpp will be coming to a library near you! We are excited to announce that we will be partnering with KCLS to have Reconnect to Opportunity table at local libraries. Come down and talk to us if you or someone...
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Reconnect to Opportunity + King County Library
Coming to a Library Near You!
We are excited to announce that we will be partnering with KCLS to have Reconnect to Opportunity table at local libraries. Come down and talk to us if you or someone you know is interested in alternative education opportunities. We want to talk to anyone who has:
- Dropped out of school
- Behind in credits
- Looking for part time or full time work
- Interested in college
- Interested in apprenticeships
We will be at the Burien and Tukwila libraries on a bi-weekly basis starting the first week of March. Come down and chat with ReOpp or just say hi!
Be a part of King County Parks! King County Parks’ mission is to steward, enhance and acquire parks to inspire healthy communities, and with 28,000 acres of open space, 175 miles of regional trails and 200 parks, King County Parks...
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King County Hiring Event
Be a Part of King County Parks!
Be a part of King County Parks! King County Parks’ mission is to steward, enhance and acquire parks to inspire healthy communities, and with 28,000 acres of open space, 175 miles of regional trails and 200 parks, King County Parks offers close-to-home recreational experiences for everyone.
King County Parks Seasonal workers perform a wide variety of work such as landscaping, athletic field maintenance, trail building and maintenance, construction and demolition, invasive weed removal, restoration and planting, working with volunteer groups, etc. We seek candidates who love the outdoors and who want who make a difference in the community and help us steward our public lands for all citizens to enjoy.
Recruiting & Interview Event for King County DNRP Seasonal Jobs (April-Oct)
WHEN: Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Session 1 @ 9:00am
Session 2 @ 1:00pm
WHERE: Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Highway, Renton, WA
Interview on-site with King County DNRP staff!
If you’re interested in attending event, YOU MUST REGISTER FOR ONE OF THESE SESSIONS @ www.kcdnrpjobs.eventbrite.com
Recruiting & Interviewing for Many Seasonal Job Openings (April-Oct) located throughout King County:
- Seasonal Park Maintenance Jobs – $21.54/hr (locations in multiple East King County and South King County parks)
- Wastewater Treatment Division Seasonal Grounds Helper Jobs – $21.03/hr (locations in Woodinville, Seattle/Magnolia, and Renton)
Some requirements for positions include but not limited to:
- At least 18 years old
- Valid Driver’s License
- See job description, locations, and requirements on the job posting @ https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kingcounty/jobs/2338389/seasonal-park-maintenance-workers
Event partners:
- King County Parks
- King County Wastewater Treatment Division
- WorkSource Seattle-King County
- Communities of Opportunity
The Teen Employment Conference (TEC) is an event put on by YouthForce, the Youth Career Development Program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County. They are dedicated to leveling the professional playing field for youth with limited access...
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ReOpp at YouthForce Teen Employment Conference
Teen Employment Conference
The Teen Employment Conference (TEC) is an event put on by YouthForce, the Youth Career Development Program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County. They are dedicated to leveling the professional playing field for youth with limited access to college and career readiness resources.
TEC is about providing unique learning and career building opportunities for teens. Throughout the day, youth have the chance to attend career workshops hosted by local Seattle companies, practice their interview skills, and enjoy a complimentary lunch and prizes!
Event Details:
When: May 4th 11:am – 3:00pm
Where: Smilow Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club
4520 MLK Jr. Way S. Seattle, WA, 98109
This event is an opportunity to invest in yourself by meeting new people, exploring new career paths and challenging what you know about the professionalism of today. Take charge of your future! You can also connect with a Peer Connector from ReOpp at the event!
