Fast Track Program FAQ

What is the Fast Track Program?
The Fast Track Program teaches youth the skills necessary to become a better self-advocate, employee, student, and community member. Through these lessons, our participants will become more independent, thus increasing the likelihood of living independently in the future. Every skill that is discussed and practiced throughout this program may be translated to other aspects of life including (but not limited to) personal, school, workplace, or recreational programs with an ultimate goal of promoting a meaningful and productive life!

How does the program work?
Fast Track lessons are structured to be taught for 30 minutes to an hour, taking place on a weekly or biweekly basis, for the duration of one semester or school year depending on preference. The program can be taught in partnership with a school/district or individually. We also offer summer and evening options to accommodate busy schedules.

How much does it cost to participate?
This program is 100% FREE to students and schools -AIM Center for Independent Living provides all services free of charge to its consumers. Check out our website to learn more about AIM-CIL services: https://aim-cil.org/

How are you funded?
The majority of AIM-CIL services are grant-funded. These grants are provided through counties we serve (DuPage,

Kane, & Kendall), the State of Illinois, as well as through the federal government. We also host an annual fundraiser each year to raise money for our Center and we accept donations on an ongoing basis.

What is the Fast Track Pre-Employment Transition Services (PTS) grant?
Fast Track PTS (Pre-Employment Transition Services) is a Fee-for-Service agreement between AIM-CIL and the Department of Human Services (DHS). The program offers 5 areas of service: Instruction on Self-Advocacy, Workplace Readiness Training, Job Exploration Counseling, Counseling on Post-Secondary Education, and Work-based Learning Experiences.

How do we start the program?
First we would set up a meeting to not only review the curriculum, but the required paperwork. From there we would collaborate to design a program to best meet the needs of each individual classroom.

What kind of paperwork is involved?
There is required paperwork that needs to be completed -for both AIM-CIL as well as DHS- in order for students to be enrolled in the Fast Track program. The following is included:

Fast Track Intake Form: Demographic information that will be used for program enrollment by DHS.
Fast Track Agreement Form: Grants AIM-CIL coordinators permission to facilitate the program.
Release Form: Provides authorization for AIM-CIL staff, teachers, and DHS to exchange student-related information.

This paperwork must be signed and completed by the student, as well as a parent/guardian when necessary (student is under the a e of 18).

Why is a Social Security Number required?
Because the Fast Track Program utilizes the PTS grant, teaching pre-employment skills, DHS uses the student's social security number to ensure they are eligible to gain future employment within the U.S. AIM-CIL respects the privacy of all consumers and families. That being said, student information is kept secure and under strict confidentiality. If you have any questions or would feel more comfortable providing this information via phone, please contact your AIM-CIL coordinator.

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