Building Your Future
These resources empower young adults with practical tools, guidance, and inspiration to navigate and make confident, informed decisions. Whether planning next steps or building independence, this platform is here to support you every step of the way.
For more information, please feel free to contact Heather Jones DCF Transitional Supports and Services.
Money Management
Get the Tools You Need to Budget Your Money and Save for Your Future
Keeping Your Money Safe
- Budgeting Basics: Learn How to Budget Successfully.
- Identity Theft: Learn the Signs of Identity Theft, How to Best Protect Yourself from Fraud and What to Do if You Become a Victim
- Types of Financial Institutions and Services They Offer: Do You Know Which Financial Institution is Best for You or What They Offer?
Understanding Credit
- Credit 101: Establishing Good Credit and Responsible Credit Habits
- Learn About Credit Before You Decide to Use Credit Instead of Cash
- Free Credit Reports: Learn about Credit Reports, and How to Obtain Them for Free!
- Understanding Debt: It's Not Free Money! What is Debt? Get Information and Develop a Plan to Get Out of Debt
Learning How to Invest
- 7 Steps to Investing as a Teenager: Add Gain Basic Stock Knowledge, How to Invest as a Young Adult Entrepreneur
- Building Wealth: A Roadmap for Students
- What is an Asset and Asset Allocation: Concepts all Young Investors Should Know
Understanding Taxes
- Keeping Personal Records: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Guide on Important Documents and What to Keep
- US Government for Kids: What are Taxes and Why Do I Pay Them?
- What Teens Need to Know About Taxes
Education & Employment
Set Educational Goals. Explore Career Options, Gain Job Readiness Skills, and Plan for Long-Term Success in School and Work.
For Students
- 4 Ways to Make Homework Easier: Strategies to Find What Works Best for You.
- Adult Student College Prep Checklist Students Over 18: What You Need and Links to Resources for Help.
- Federal Student Aid: FAFSA
- Managing Stress of College as a Student: Tips for Coping with College-Related Anxiety
- Organize, Focus, Get it Done: Tips On How to Get Organized and Get Focused
- What are my Options After High School? Multiple Pathways to Success: Learn About Your Options to Help Make Choices for Your Future
- Your First Year of College: Helpful Tips to Prepare and Be Successful.
For Job Seekers
- Apprenticeship Opportunities for Young Adults with Disabilities: Learn about Apprenticeships as Part of the Social Security Administration Ticket to Work Program Built With Our Hands: CT Structured Mentoring Program Helping Build Trade Skills, Financial Literacy & Life Skills and Advocacy for Job Placement.
- Career One Stop: Get My Future Links to Help Anyone Age 14 to 24 Explore Careers, Learn About and Locate Training or Education Programs, and Conduct a Successful Job Search
- CT Community Colleges: Learn About Tuition Programs, Two Year Associates Degrees, Academic Programs, Campus Locations and More
- CT Department of Labor Workforce Investment Boards: Youth Employment Program: The Connecticut Youth Employment Program Offers Opportunities for Young People Ages 14-24 Gain Work Experience and Earn Money.
- CT Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program: Learn About Apprenticeship Programs in CT and If Your School Participates
- CT Technical High Schools: List of CT Technical High Schools, Programs, and Adult Education Opportunities.
- Getting Ready For Your Interview: How to Prepare, What to Wear, and Other Helpful Tips
- How Do I Prepare For A Job Interview?
- How to be Job Ready: Interview Tips for Teens and Young Adults from the Boys and Girls Club of America.
- Job Applications: Useful Strategies for Applying to Jobs and Standing Out from The Crowd.
- Resume Writing: Learn the Process of Creating a Professional Resume
- Sun Scholars: Academic Coaching, Mentorship, and Career Guidance for Foster and Adopted Youth and Young Adults.
- What Do You Want to Do For A Living? Search Careers, Industries, and Discover Your Interests.
- You're Hired! What You Need to Know As You Prepare to Start Your Job and the Skills You Need to Keep It.
- Youth Apprenticeship - Jobs for the Future (JFF) What is Youth Apprenticeship and How to Get Started
Housing
Get the Tools You Need to Find and Keep a Safe, Stable Place to Live.
- Connecticut Energy Assistance Program: Find out if you are eligible for winter heating assistance and how to apply.
- Owning Your Home: Learn more about the responsibilities of a homeowner, up-front costs, and home upkeep.
- Renting: A breakdown of the renting process and information to better understand what you can afford.
- The Connection: Housing Assistance Support for Young Adults If you are experiencing housing instability, learn about options that may help.
- What is Renters Insurance and How Does it Work? Learn what renters' insurance covers.
Transportation
How to Get Where You Need to Go, Understanding How to Use Public Transit, Drive Safely, or Make Other Travel Plans that Fit Your Budget.
- CT DMV Teen Safe Driving Portal: Learn about CT state specific laws for 16–17-year-old drivers, permits, and take helpful practice tests.
- CT Transit Rideshare Options: Bus and Para transport information and schedules.
- How to Obtain a Learners Permit and Driver's License in CT Options and guidance from the CT DMV website.
- Metro North Train Schedules: Follow this link to train schedules, fares, and maps.
- What to Know About Booking Your First Airline Ticket Learn about ticketing, luggage, and what to do when you get to the airport.