Cell-Ed “Welcome Start” Program
The Refugee Programs Bureau (RPB) is announcing the end of the “Welcome Start” program which launched in January 2024, in collaboration with Cell-Ed, Inc. The program will sunset on September 30, 2024, after which learners will no longer be able to access the Welcome Start platform. Counties and other service providers who have referred clients to Welcome Start should plan to access their client participation information no later than September 30, 2024. Any questions regarding the Welcome Start program or Cell-Ed services can be directed to Cell-Ed at customersuccess@cell-ed.com. Any policy-related or other questions regarding employment services can be directed to RPB at RefugeePolicy@dss.ca.gov.
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.