Cal-Learn

Cal-Learn is a statewide program for pregnant and parenting teens in the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program. It is designed to encourage pregnant and parenting teens to graduate from high school or its equivalent, become independent, and form healthy families. Three coordinated services help teens become self-sufficient adults and responsible parents:

• Intensive case management assists teen parents to obtain education, health and social services.
• Supportive services such as child care, transportation, educational expenses, to enable pregnant/parenting to attend school.
• Bonuses and sanctions to encourage school attendance and good grades. Four $100 bonuses per year may be earned based on report card results, and a one-time $500 bonus for graduating or attaining an equivalent high school diploma. Sanctions are applied if satisfactory grades are not maintained, and/or timely report cards are not submitted. 

Who is it for?

Pregnant/parenting teens who are receiving CalWORKs are required to participate in Cal-Learn if:

• They are under the age of 19.
• They live in the same household as their child,
• They have not graduated from high school or its equivalent,
• They are not in foster care.

How to Apply

Pregnant/parenting teens may apply for Cal-Learn services at a county social services agency office located in the county where they live. To find a nearby office contact your county social services agency.