Employment and Transition Program

Our Community-Based Learning and Job Readiness Skills curriculum focuses on providing scholars with real-world job experience and preparing them for workplace expectations. Through internships and hands-on training, scholars gain the skills needed to succeed in competitive, integrated employment environments.

Internship Placement

Scholars engage in unpaid internships with local businesses, providing them with valuable work experience in a variety of industries. Internships are customized to match the scholar’s skills and the business’s needs, ensuring a mutually beneficial experience. Throughout the internship, job coaches provide ongoing support to ensure that scholars succeed in their roles and meet expectations.

• Types of Internships: Retail, healthcare, hospitality, trades, and more.
• Flexible Hours: Internships are scheduled to accommodate both business needs and the scholar’s availability, offering flexibility.
• Job Coaching Support: Job coaches provide guidance and feedback to help scholars develop their skills, overcome challenges, and thrive in the workplace.

Job Readiness Training

Our Job Readiness Training prepares scholars for the expectations of the workplace by equipping them with the essential skills needed for success in any job. Through hands-on instruction, scholars learn to navigate the workplace with confidence and professionalism.

Key Areas Covered:

• Workplace Communication:
  Scholars learn to communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and customers. This includes both verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as active listening skills to ensure clear and professional interactions.

• Professionalism and Time Management:
  Scholars are taught the importance of maintaining a professional attitude, dressing appropriately for the workplace, and arriving on time. Time management skills are emphasized to ensure that scholars are able to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines.

• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:
  Scholars are trained to approach challenges with critical thinking and creativity, developing solutions to workplace problems and adapting to changing situations. They learn how to assess problems, identify potential solutions, and make informed decisions.

• Workplace Etiquette:
  Scholars learn the expectations around behavior, manners, and workplace customs, such as how to interact with co-workers, supervisors, and customers in a professional manner. This includes understanding workplace policies, maintaining respectful communication, and collaborating with others.

• Interview Skills and Resume Building:
  Scholars are coached on how to create a professional resume that highlights their strengths and skills. Additionally, they receive training on how to prepare for interviews, including common questions, body language, and professional presentation.

Through Community-Based Learning and Job Readiness Skills training, our scholars are fully prepared to enter the workforce with the confidence and abilities necessary to succeed. These experiences give scholars the opportunity to build practical, transferable skills while working in real-world environments, ensuring they are ready for future employment and independence.

Our Independent and Life Skills curriculum helps scholars develop the skills they need for adulthood and independence, focusing on both soft skills and practical abilities.

Soft Skills Development:

• Communication: Effective verbal and non-verbal communication and active listening.
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others and respecting diversity.
• Problem Solving: Critical and creative thinking to overcome challenges.
• Time Management: Organizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
• Adaptability: Flexibility in adjusting to new tasks and environments.

Community & Internet Safety:

We teach scholars to navigate the digital world responsibly, emphasizing privacy, safe social media use, and recognizing online risks like scams and cyberbullying.

Life Skills Instruction:

Scholars develop essential skills for independent living, such as:

• Managing Finances: Budgeting and saving money.
• Meal Planning & Preparation: Shopping and cooking healthy meals.
• Public Transportation: Using public transit safely and independently.
• Self-Care & Household Management: Maintaining a clean, organized living space.

Research-Based Instruction:

Our curriculum uses evidence-based strategies, ensuring effective, personalized instruction. We apply systematic teaching methods to help scholars gain both life and job skills in a structured and supportive environment.

Exploring Your Future

Our Postsecondary Education & Training curriculum is designed to help scholars make informed decisions about their next steps after high school. We support scholars in exploring educational opportunities, training programs, and career pathways that align with their interests and goals. Through personalized guidance and resources, scholars are empowered to pursue a variety of options for their future success.

College Visits & Application Support

To help scholars explore higher education opportunities, we facilitate college visits and provide hands-on support with the college application process. This includes:

• Guided College Tours: Scholars have the opportunity to visit local colleges and universities to get a feel for campus life and explore various programs.
• Application Assistance: We provide guidance on how to complete college applications, including writing personal statements, gathering transcripts, and meeting application deadlines.
• College Readiness Preparation: Scholars are supported in understanding the expectations of college life, including academic standards, self-management, and time management.

FAFSA & Financial Aid Guidance

Understanding how to fund post-secondary education is essential for success. We offer FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) workshops and financial aid guidance to ensure that scholars can access scholarships, grants, and other financial resources. This support includes:

• Navigating Financial Aid Forms: Scholars are taught how to complete the FAFSA and understand the types of financial aid available to them.
• Scholarship Assistance: We help scholars search for scholarships and complete applications.
• Budgeting and Planning: Scholars are guided on how to create a financial plan to manage education costs effectively.

Vocational Training & Trade School Pathways

For scholars interested in career-focused training, we provide information on vocational training and trade school pathways. This includes:

• Exploring Trade School Options: Scholars are introduced to vocational schools and certification programs in fields like healthcare, IT, construction, and more.
• Hands-On Career Exploration: Scholars participate in job shadowing, internships, and workshops that allow them to explore various trade skills and career options.
• Pathways to Employment: We work closely with local employers and community colleges to connect scholars with training programs that lead directly to employment opportunities in high-demand industries.

Self-Advocacy & Accommodations Support

Empowering scholars to be their own advocates is crucial for success in education and employment. Our program includes:

• Self-Advocacy Training: Scholars learn how to effectively communicate their needs, whether in the classroom, workplace, or in their community. This includes understanding their rights and how to request accommodations or support.
• Accommodations Guidance: We provide support in identifying appropriate accommodations for both college and career environments, ensuring that scholars have the tools and resources to succeed.
• Confidence Building: Through role-playing and real-world scenarios, scholars practice advocating for themselves in different situations, strengthening their ability to navigate educational and employment settings.

Highline Achieve Program

For those interested in further education and specialized support, we also connect scholars with the Highline Achieve Program. This program offers a supportive and inclusive college experience for individuals with disabilities, providing:

• Individualized Supports: Tailored academic and social supports to help students thrive in the college environment.
• Workplace Readiness Training: Skills and resources to help students transition into careers after completing their studies.
• College Success Strategies: Guidance on managing coursework, building relationships with faculty, and navigating the campus environment.

To learn more about the Highline Achieve Program, visit Highline Achieve.

Our Postsecondary Education & Training curriculum ensures that scholars are well-prepared to take the next step toward their future, whether that’s continuing education, vocational training, or entering the workforce. By providing the tools, guidance, and resources needed, we help scholars create a clear path toward achieving their personal and professional goals.

ETP Eligibility

The Employment & Transition Program (ETP) is designed for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who require continued support in working toward their post-secondary transition goals. The program is open to:

• Scholars with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) who need post-graduation services to transition into adulthood and the workforce.
• Graduation Status: While an ideal candidate for the program will have graduated high school, we are able to accommodate individuals who have not yet graduated but still meet eligibility criteria and need continued services.
• IEP Team Decision: Enrollment in the program is a collaborative decision made by the scholar's IEP team, which includes input from the ETP team.

If you or your scholar meets these criteria and would benefit from the services we offer, we encourage you to get in touch with us for more information or follow the following steps on how to enroll.

Steps to Enroll

• Speak with your IEP Team or School Counselor – Discuss eligibility and transition goals.
• Complete the Referral Form – Your school counselor or transition specialist will guide you through this process.
• Attend an Informational Meeting – Learn about the program, expectations, and available services.Self-advocacy & accommodations support
• Develop an Individualized Transition Plan (ITP) – Set personalized goals and outline services needed.
• Begin Work-Based Learning & Life Skills Training – Engage in real-world experiences tailored to your interests and needs.