Guiding young adults toward brighter futures

Who we are

Where potential meets possibility

American Student Assistance® (ASA) is a national nonprofit changing the way kids learn about careers and prepare for their futures by providing equitable access to career readiness resources. Jobs for the Future (JFF) drives transformation of the U.S. education and workforce systems to achieve equitable economic advancement for all.

Together, JFF and ASA launched the ASA Center for Career Navigation at JFF—an initiative that empowers young people to confidently explore post-high school pathways leading to a successful future. Through this partnership, the center offers resources, guidance, and innovative tools to help students and families make informed decisions about what comes next—because every young person deserves access to opportunities that match their potential.

Our Mission

To lead the field in developing solutions to help young adults ages 16-24 understand and navigate quality education and career pathways after high school by providing access to resources and opportunities that will lead them to meaningful, quality jobs.

Our Team

Meet the people behind the mission

Jeff Bulanda

Vice President, JFF

I believe the voices of young people should shape how we build systems of support, especially when it comes to helping young people navigate the path from learning to meaningful work.

Erica Bouris

Sr. Director, JFF

To build an inclusive economy—one with real, genuine economic opportunity for all—requires us to think about how young people will build their careers and economic lives. It requires that we do the work to center the voices of young people, challenge systemic barriers, innovate and design new solutions and persist in our commitment to an economy that works for young people and their economies.

Tia Kim

AVP, Research and Insights, JFF

My career has been focused on understanding how best to support young people in achieving positive outcomes.

Alex Hodges

AVP, Marketing Communications, JFF

I’ve dedicated most of my career to supporting young adults on their journey to a quality job, and feel lucky to be working to create systems change for this population here in the center.

Liz Keeffe

Director, JFF

I’m driven by a deep belief that every young person—especially those facing the greatest barriers—deserves the opportunity to explore their passions and build a career that brings them purpose and possibility.

Tia King-Fontánez

Executive Assistant II, JFF

I believe in the power, purpose, passion, and potential of youth and young adults. An investment in young people is an investment in our people, our communities, our nations, our world, our future.

Erica Cuevas

Director of Education Policy, JFF

In my role leading the Center’s policy and advocacy work, I focus on scaling these efforts—turning promising local innovations into systemic change. Because when policy supports greater access to career navigation, we can transform individual lives and entire communities.

Alex Sileo

Senior Manager, Policy and Advocacy, JFF

I’m passionate about helping federal, state and local leaders use research about what works for young people to inform policy and transform lives.

Judy Goldstein

SVP, Marketing & Communications, ASA

At this pivotal moment in education, I am driven by the opportunity that we have the collective expertise and will to come together and provide a solution that is aligned with how young people (and their parents) think about their future and the next steps to get there.

Alex Bulis

Chief Product Officer, ASA

I am excited to join the center’s mission and build a new career readiness platform that empowers young people to discover career paths that not only align with their passions and strengths, but also equip them to thrive financially and confidently navigate today’s complex and evolving job market.

Get in touch

Questions, ideas, or concerns? We’re here for young adults, families, educators, employers, and anyone interested in building better career pathways.