Career Accelerator
Equipping scholars with the skills, mentorship, and network to launch meaningful careers.

What Is the Career Accelerator?

The Career Accelerator is a personalized, multi-year journey that helps foster youth in college build professional skills, meaningful relationships, and real-world experience. Our Scholars who lack a safety net and traditional support systems—gain a powerful edge as they prepare for life after graduation.

“At RTS, we believe preparing for a career begins during college, not after. The Career Accelerator program equips Scholars to succeed in their dream careers right after they graduate.” - Co-Founder Romi Lassally 

5 pillar program

Scholars spend 4 years in our holistic 5 pillar program
01
1:1 Career Coaching

Personalized, hands-on coaching that helps scholars identify their strengths, interests, and career pathways that align with their goals

02
Network Building

Access to 500+ professionals for guidance, exposure, and real-world connections

03
Career Track Opportunities

Hands-on opportunities to build résumés and confidence

04
Targeted Financial Support

Basic needs scholarships and emergency aid to prevent setbacks

05
Mental Health and Wellness Support

Mental health, housing, and peer support that fosters belonging

Pat McCabe Impact Fellowship

Paid Experience. Real Impact.

RTS Scholars are eager to make real change and bring their voice and ideas to social impact organizations. However, learning experiences like these are often limited and unpaid.The McCabe Impact Fellowship solves this problem by providing paid experiences with innovative partners. Founded in 2020, this program provides select RTS Scholars with paid project-based fellowships. Participants gain critical work experience and build their professional networks while our non-profit/impact host sites gain essential support and early access to career talent.

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When Does It Happen?

The Career Accelerator begins the summer after freshman year and continues through one year alumni.
Year 1
ACTIVATE
Meet advisors, build peer community, explore career paths, and create a Career Action Plan.
Years 2 & 3
ACCELERATE
Network with 500+ professionals, apply classroom learning to internships, and deepen focus in target industries.
Year 4
LAUNCH
Secure a job or grad school opportunity with the support of dedicated alumni advisors.
Post-Graduation
THRIVE
Stay connected through check-ins, job search support, alumni events, and basic needs resources.

When Does It Happen?

The Career Accelerator begins the summer after freshman year and continues through one year post-graduation.
Year 1
ACTIVATE
Meet advisors, build peer community, explore career paths, and create a Career Action Plan.
Years 2 & 3
ACCELERATE
Network with 500+ professionals, apply classroom learning to internships, and deepen focus in target industries.
Year 4
LAUNCH
Secure a job or grad school opportunity with the support of dedicated alumni advisors.
Post-Graduation
THRIVE
Stay connected through check-ins, job search support, alumni events, and basic needs resources.

Why It Works

The Career Accelerator begins the summer after freshman year and continues through one year post-graduation.
With RTS
100% of RTS Scholars graduate within 4.5 years.
85% of RTS Scholars are placed in career-track jobs within 6 months of graduation.
Every Scholar receives 15+ hours of 1:1 career coaching and access to 500+ professionals each year.
Up to $5,000 in basic needs scholarships plus emergency financial support.
Without RTS
Only 4% of foster youth graduate from college.
Nearly 50% of foster youth are unemployed or underemployed at the age of 26
Most foster youth lack access to even one career mentor.
Many foster youth experience housing and food insecurity during college.