Business Engagement in Supporting the Education Pipeline

Submitted by Lyn Velle on Wed, 04/09/2014 - 12:56
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What did you do as work experience in high school or college?

How did it relate to you high school or post secondary curriculum

How could the experience have been enhanced if it had been related to the high school or post secondary curriculum?

I would love to hear from you about work-based learning and business relationships.

Thanks,

Lyn

Comments

Lyn,

I'm a Transition Coordinator in a K-12 district which receives great support from higher administration and collaborates with outside agencies.  We've been fortunate to develop and/or collaborate in the transition programs listed below.  Students receive elective credits unless AP classes which would give core course credit, TECH Now offers either an Art or Technology credit.  The programs below are available to students with disabilities on an Individual Education Plan.  

  • Middle School Job Exploration – individual classroom teachers’ offer organized school work experiences.
  • Transition Centers – students explore a variety of job settings in a classroom, school site and community environment.
  • Work Adjustment Training Contract with DRS
  • ABLE – Able Bodies Learning to Excel – program collaboration with community agency, DRS or DDSD Waiver.
  • Vocational Training & Community Skills – A school community-based program in which HS students explore a variety of community based jobs matched to their interest.  Mobility training is included using the local public transportation system.
  • Work Study – Students receive school credit for their paid independent competitive employment within the community.  This allows them to maintain course credits and stay employed.
  • School-to-Work – students are paid for employment placement within the community through Vocational Rehabilitation Services as a school program during school hours.
  • iJOBS – a partnership with outside agencies including OK Department of Rehabilitation Services, the GALT Foundation, Dale Rogers and K-12 agencies offering select students a summer job opportunity.
  • TECH Now – students explore post-secondary education and careers while gaining technology skills preparing them for the 21st century workplace.
  • MNTC – Moore Norman Technology Center – three hour programs preparing young adults for higher education programs and the workplace.
  • Higher Education Dual Enrollment – students may enroll in higher education institutions while finishing high school course work.
  • Transition Partnership with Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Collaboration with Workforce of Oklahoma
  • Oklahoma Youth Leadership Forum opportunity – select Oklahoma teenagers attend an annual camp held at a university campus for a week every June.  The camp is a unique leadership training program.  The goal is to help prepare for life after high school by building self-determination and disability awareness and advocacy skills.

Typical peer students have opportunities of dual enrollment with local higher education institutions, 3 hour career programs with local technology centers, Advanced Placement (AP) courses that support college credit, college and university visits, job shadowing opportunities with local businesses, weekly 30 minute advisory sessions for all students with college and career readiness materials and information, and in-school and community leadership opportunities. 

We have Community Liaisons, Technology Center Liaisons and a Transition Coordinator that work closely with community businesses.

I myself would love to incorporate Individualized Learning Plans for all students.  We aren't there yet :-)

Best,