CDSS Programs Refugees Programs and Info Cell-ED

Cell-Ed “Welcome Start” Program

What is “Welcome Start?”

The CDSS has collaborated with Cell-Ed to create a platform called “Welcome Start” designed for to provide mobile e-learning and live coaching to eligible Afghan and Ukrainian Newcomers. The grant also provides additional targeted employability and other services for Afghan and Ukrainian Newcomers. Eligible Afghans and Ukrainians can utilize Welcome Start Program online learning as an option to meet employment services requirements for CalWORKs, CalFresh E&T, and RCA.

The program mainly focuses on the following areas:

  • Unlimited online access to educational programming covering general employability skills and specific job skill certifications.
  • A mobile application that includes a data dashboard to track user engagement, progress, and completion with dynamic reporting.
  • The program has introduction to enhanced English language instruction, including coaching and support.
  • The program will coach and support a minimum of 2,000 Afghan and Ukrainian Newcomer clients.

Who is Eligible?

The Cell-Ed welcome Start program shall serve the following designated ASA and AUSAA eligible populations:

  • Parolees from Afghanistan who entered United States between July 31, 2021, and September 30, 2024, who have applied for extension of parole or some other permanent status prior to the end of their parole term,
  • Spouse and children of such Afghan parolee, or parent(s), legal guardian(s), or caretaker(s) of unaccompanied Afghan children who paroled to United States after September 30, 2023.
  • Citizens and nationals of Afghanistan for whom refugee and entrant assistance activities are authorized (e.g., Special Immigrant Visa holders, Special Immigrants with Conditional Permanent Resident status, SI/SQ parolees, refugees, asylees), whose eligibility date is on or after July 31, 2021.
  • Parolees from Ukraine or non-Ukrainian nationals who resided in the Ukraine while the war started if they entered into United States between February 24, 2022, and September 30, 2024.
  • The spouse and children of such Ukrainian parolee, or parent(s), legal guardian(s), or caretaker(s) of unaccompanied child, who entered into United States after September 30, 2023.
  • Citizens and nationals of Ukraine for whom refugee and entrant assistance activities are authorized (e.g., refugees and asylees), whose eligibility date is on or after February 24, 2022.

How Can an Eligible Individuals Participate?

Clients can receive Cell-Ed services through referral by county providers or Case Managers. County providers and Case Managers will help participants with onboarding and utilization of the Welcome Start platform and will also monitor participation.

All Cell-Ed courses are online. Welcome Start clients can access Cell-Ed on any mobile device or computer via call-in/text, WhatsApp, Smartphone Apps, or web browser.