Apprenticeship Programs in Private, Non-Profit Child, Youth, and Family-Serving Agencies
For individuals with 6 or fewer college units interested in employment in Alameda, Lake, Mendocino, or Sacramento counties, the Catalyst for Wellness in Community Apprenticeship Program is a 2-3 year apprenticeship in partnership with the California Alliance for Children and Family Services’ Catalyst Center. Apprentices work with a partner employer, earning wages and benefits while completing their online associate degree for transfer in social work and human services through Chabot College.
- Participating county employers are currently in Alameda, Mendocino, Lake, and Sacramento Counties (with expansion to new areas each year)
- The courses are all online through Chabot College, except for one Biology course. Apprentices will complete the Biology Course requirement at a college near them.
- Job placement at partner employers (see website for geographic areas serving this cohort) Sample employers are featured here
- Livable wages with periodic raises and benefits
- Online college coursework and credits towards an associate degree in Social Work and Human Services
- Academic supplies: laptop, books, and study Materials
- Chabot Community College Student Support Services, academic counseling, and campus supports
- Mentored on-the-job training and supplemental training
- Periodic cohort meetings and summits (virtual and in-person)
- Get more information and apply here
- Individuals at least 18 years old (some agencies may prefer or require apprentices who are older than 21 years)
- Individuals with 6 or fewer units of transferable college units – usually 2 courses. (You are likely not a fit at this time if you have more than 6 transferable units)
- Individuals who can work in Alameda, Mendocino, Lake or Sacramento Counties
- Individuals with personal experience in child welfare, behavioral/mental health, juvenile justice, or related systems are preferred
- Learn about partner employers
- Get more information and ask questions
Behavioral Health Education and Career Experience (Social Work and Human Services)
For individuals wanting to work in the behavioral health field across different settings, supporting children/youth in building their wellness and resiliency. This 3-semester program provides tuition for at least 6 units per semester, living stipends, school supplies, part-time work placement in the behavioral health field, and other support services. Participants must be between the ages of 18-25 with personal systems experience or from underrepresented backgrounds (*see eligibility below).
For the first cohort, eligible applicants will be already employed at either Chabot College campus as Wellness Ambassadors or at a participating County or Community Based Organization.
FAQ for off campus employees (County or CBO)
- WestCoast Children's Clinic- Youth Advocates Program
- Chabot College Wellness Ambassadors or Peer Guides
- County human/social services serving children and youth at a participating county: Calaveras, Lake, or Tuolumne
- Take at least 6 units towards your transferrable degree in Social Work and Human services or Behavioral Health Certificate online with Chabot College (Tuition-free for California residents.)
- Part-time employment
- Living stipends vary based on employer
- Case Manager to ensure access to campus support services
- Emergency funds
- Individual academic plans
- School supplies
- Support completing financial aid applications
- Scholarships and other funding information
- Job readiness workshops
- Career coaching
- Support to decrease work barriers (i.e.: guidance on how to resolve some background check offenses). Click here for more information on background clearances.
- Academic and mental health counseling
- Must be 18-25 years on August 18, 2025 (first day of classes)
- Have a high school degree (or GED)
- No more than 45 units toward an associate degree in Social Work and Human Services
- Personal experience with any system (e.g. foster care, juvenile justice, mental health, behavioral health, housing/welfare support, etc.) or from underrepresented groups (e.g. first-generation college students, bilingual individuals, people of color, etc.) and/or from an economically, educationally, or environmentally disadvantaged background.
- Be able to clear a background check within a year (we can support obtaining exemptions for some offenses which must be discussed before acceptance)
- Be eligible to work
- If the participant is not a California resident, then tuition may not be fully covered
- For Wellness Ambassadors at Chabot College: More information coming soon for Fall 2025!
- For County employee or YAP applicants: More information coming soon for Fall 2025!
Chabot College Behavioral Health Wellness Ambassador & Fellowship Programs
For Chabot College students interested in applying for the Wellness Ambassador or Fellowship program who want to work across different behavioral health settings, helping children/youth with their wellness and resiliency.
FAQ for Wellness Ambassador Program
- Opportunity to take a free course in the Social Work and Human Services Program at Chabot College (Tuition-free for California residents)
- Explore the Behavioral Health field by participating in a fellowship with the CARES program for about 20 hours/week for 8 weeks
- $1,500 stipend upon completion of the internship
- Meet with an academic counselor to develop an individual academic plan
- Support completing financial aid applications
- Information on scholarships and other funding information about paying for education
- Free job readiness workshops
- Career coaching
- Social Work and Human Services majors or other related majors such as psychology or sociology
- Eligible to work (including clearing a background check)
- Tuition may not be fully covered if you are not a California resident. International students tuition fees can be covered at the same rate as California resident rate, not at the international student rate.
Current or Future Chabot College Student Support
For current or future Chabot College students interested in behavioral health careers working with children, youth, and families; this program offers students career, academic, and daily living support to reduce barriers to completing behavioral health-related certificates and degrees.
- Classes and support services can be offered virtually or on campus
- Career counseling and job readiness through the Tri-Valley Career Center
- Academic and financial support to create an individual academic plan and financial plan
- Individualized needs assessment and connection to appropriate campus supports as well as affinity groups provided through Chabot College’s Equity Student Services
- Referral to scholarship and loan forgiveness programs
- Students who are enrolled at Chabot and have a W# can access services through Chabot College
- Potential students can receive support to apply and receive a W# (college identification number)
- Anyone in California is eligible for support from the Tri-Valley Career Center
- Application coming soon!
- Complete this form to access career readiness services
Semester Internship
For individuals without an associate degree who want to work in the behavioral health field across different settings helping children/youth with their wellness and resiliency.
- TBD
- Sign up to get e-mail notices
- Opportunity to take a free online asynchronous (at your own pace) course in the Social Work and Human Services Program at Chabot College (Tuition-free for California residents. International student tuition fees can be covered (paid) for up to the California resident rate.)
- Explore the Behavioral Health field by participating in a internship placement for about 20 hours/week for 8 weeks
- Receive a $1,500 stipend upon completion of the internship
- Meet with an academic counselor to develop a individual academic plan
- Receive support completing financial aid applications
- Receive information on scholarships and other funding information for paying for education
- Receive free job readiness workshops
- Have access to career coaching
- Have a high school degree (or GED) and newly enrolled or currently enrolled community college students interested in earning or working towards an associates in Social Work & Human Services or other behavioral health related degree such as psychology.
- Be eligible to work (including clearing a background check)
- Application for school year 2025-2026 coming soon!
- Sign up to get e-mail notices
Job Readiness in the Behavioral Health Field
For Californians with or without any college credit who are interested in a behavioral health career or want general career guidance, resources are available.
- Services are available in person or virtually
- Career services are available at the Tri-Valley Career Center or your Local American's Job Centers
- Career counseling
- Resume writing support
- Interviewing support
- Referral to scholarship and loan forgiveness programs
- Job readiness workshops
- Anyone in California or interested in working in California
- Individuals at least 18 years and older
- Do not need to be a current student
- Complete this form to access these services
County-Based Wellness Scholars: Social/Human Services Career Entry and Mobility
For individuals with some college experience but without a full associate degree who are either currently employed or interested in working at county human service agencies (partner counties coming soon). This CLPCCD program supports county employees in pursuing their associate degree in Social Work and Human Services.
Check out the FAQ for more information
- Must be employed at a participating county: Amador, Calaveras, Lake, and Tuolumne Counties.
- Courses are available online through Chabot College.
- Tuition assistance for courses or tuition-free courses towards the Social Work and Human Services Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)
- Career counseling and career readiness support through the Tri-Valley Career Center
- Academic and financial support to create individual academic and financial plans
- Individualized needs assessment and connection to appropriate campus supports and affinity groups (supported by Chabot College's Student Support Services)
- Referral to scholarship and loan forgiveness programs
- Mentored on-the-job training and supplemental training
- Must be currently employed or be employable at one of the participating county agencies
- Must be able to enroll in online Social Work and Human Services classes with Chabot College
Apply for Spring 2025 semester: Apply Here
Due October 31, 2024
Step 2
Have your supervisor complete this Supervisor Support Check List. All applicants must also have their supervisor endorse their application.
Due October 31, 2024
Applicants, both the Application and the Supervisor Support Check List must be completed by October 31, 2024 in order to determine acceptance into the County Wellness Scholars Program.
County Wellness Scholars Frequently Asked Questions