Cal-Learn Program Voluntary Participants

Pregnant or parenting teens may continue to participate in the Cal-Learn program from age 19, up to age 20 on a voluntary basis, if all of the following requirements are met:

• Are eligible and receiving California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) CalWORKs
• Participated in the Cal-Learn program prior to becoming 19 years of age
• Have not obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent
• Are attending a school program on a full-time basis, which leads to a high school diploma or its equivalent by age 20
• Reside with their child(ren) in the same Assistance Unit (AU).

If the 19-year-old teen DOES NOT meet all of the above requirements, they must be registered for Welfare-to-Work (WTW) if no other exemptions apply.

The Cal-Learn Case Manager will determine if the appropriate conditions are met and will notify the Cal-Learn CWES Worker if the teen is a current Cal-Learn participant. A 19-year-old teen, who previously participated in Cal-Learn, but is not currently receiving Cal-Learn services, can volunteer for Cal-Learn participation as well, if otherwise eligible.

Example: At 15 years of age, Mary was a Cal-Learn participant. At 17 years of age, she went off cash aid and was no longer eligible to participate in Cal-Learn. At 19 years of age, Mary is back on cash aid, has not received a high school diploma or equivalent, and wants to voluntarily participate in Cal-Learn. Mary is eligible to voluntarily participate in Cal-Learn.

Note: A 19-year-old voluntary Cal-Learn participant is eligible for the same bonuses as other teen parents enrolled in the Cal-Learn program.

19-Year-Old Volunteer

A 19-year-old volunteer who chooses to withdraw as a voluntary participant from the Cal-Learn program will be subject to WTW requirements and must be registered for WTW if no other exemptions apply. A Cal-Learn Deregistration (NA 843) must be issued to the 19-year-old when they choose not to voluntarily participate in the Cal-Learn program.