UNITE-LA: Using the Benefit Navigator in Youth Workforce Development “Step into Tech”

We spoke with Tanaya Clark, a former UNITE-LA Step into Tech participant herself, who now serves as a Case Manager for the program and uses the Benefit Navigator.

How does Benefit Navigator create trust with participants and staff?

"It creates positive reinforcement right away — participants leave that first meeting knowing concrete resources are available. For me, adoption was seamless too. It was introduced as part of my onboarding, and it quickly became a natural part of how I conduct intake."

Why it matters:

Immediate value for participants and easy adoption for staff reinforce each other — neither works as well without the other.

What would you tell another agency considering Benefit Navigator?

"I'd recommend it because it provides reliable, vetted information about benefits and support services — all in one place, which saves time and increases confidence that we're directing participants to legitimate support."

Why it matters: 

Verified resources in a single place reduce search time and let case managers act with confidence, not guesswork.

What's the strongest case for using Benefit Navigator?

"This was my first role involving benefits navigation. Having the tool available during onboarding helped me understand how benefit systems work.”

Why it matters: 

Benefit Navigator doesn't just support participants — it strengthens staff capacity and case management practice.

“A participant used Benefit Navigator to better understand how household status affected her financial aid eligibility. She approached her application differently — and qualified for aid instead of relying entirely on student loans.” -Tanaya Clark, UNITE-LA

About UNITE-LA

UNITE-LA advances equitable economic mobility and well-being through collaboration that strengthens systems, policies, and high-quality education and career pathways. Its education and career pathway programs serve youth and young adults ages 16–28, with a focus on STEAM career pathways, including technology, healthcare, and cleantech. UNITE-LA’s Step into Tech program connects justice-impacted and justice-involved individuals to careers in tech through paid professional and personal development, mentorship, hands-on training, industry-recognized certifications, and wraparound services.