Designed for “at-risk” students, the program focuses on improving attendance and self-esteem while showing how education impacts employment outcomes.
Designed for students with and without disabilities identified as “at-risk” or “with promise,” and enrolled in their junior or senior year at participating high schools, the PROSPER (People Reaching for Opportunities to SucceedPersonally, Educationally and Realistically) program focuses on improving attendance and self-esteem and encourages students to gain an understanding of the relevancy of education as it relates to the world of work. Transition outcomes are enhanced through work opportunities and exposure to post-secondary institutions. Watch a brief video about our PROSPER program.
This program is a unique partnership between colleges/universities, high schools and local businesses and industries. It incorporates career assessments, career guidance, counseling and tutoring related to students’ short and long-range vocational interests. The pre-vocational component is supplemented by a community-based work experience. Students tour numerous college campuses, in preparation for selection of career choices, and participate in peer mentoring/shadowing experiences. They also gain career knowledge and exposure to various jobs through weekly tours of local businesses.
Highly successful, the majority of the students who complete the PROSPER program attend college, enroll in vocational training or secure employment upon graduation. Read about our most recent PROSPER Moving Up Ceremony and the impact it has had on the students who have complete the program. Hear what our students have to say about their participation in our PROSPER program.
