STRIVE

The Viscardi Center is proud to offer STRIVE (Students Together Reaching Independence through Vocational Exploration), our NEW Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for Students with Disabilities through the New York State Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services (ACCES-VR). The program is for students between the ages of 14 – 21 in secondary, post-secondary, nontraditional or alternative education programs who are potentially eligible for, but not currently receiving ACCES Vocational Rehabilitation services.

Pre-ETS prepares students for successful long-term employment consistent with their strengths, abilities, interests and informed choice through a variety of activities and services meant to explore their post-secondary education options, develop their employment related soft skills, and assist them in obtaining work experience.

STRIVE’s curriculum incorporates various activities which are beneficial to students in the early stages of career exploration, including:

1. Job Exploration Counseling – To explore career options, identify career interests, and skills needed in the workplace and for specific jobs, and learn about non-traditional employment options.
2. Work Based Learning Experiences – To develop work skills through participation in paid and nonpaid experiences in community-based workplaces, apply classroom knowledge to the workplace, and learn from people currently working in the field. This may include in-school and after-school opportunities.
3. Post-Secondary Counseling – To evaluate post-secondary transition and education opportunities for students with disabilities, including classes, certificate and degree programs at Community Colleges and Universities; career pathways related to workshops, training and apprenticeship programs; Trade/Technical Schools; and Military service.
4. Workplace Readiness Training – To enhance and develop career and soft skills, including social/interpersonal, independent living, problem solving, financial literacy, and job searching, while understanding employer expectations for punctuality and performance.
5. Instruction in Self-Advocacy – To build the skills and self-confidence needed to speak up for one’s self, make decisions, request accommodations or services and supports, and understand his/her rights.

Additional Details:

• Services can be provided individually, or can be combined to match the needs of each individual student (Not all services need to be provided to each student)
• Activities will be delivered individually or in a group with a maximum size of 10 students
• Services can be made available to students outside of the traditional workday, including weekends, evenings and during times when school is not in session.

Click here to view this month’s STRIVE activity calendar. Contact Sara Eckstein, at seckstein@viscardicenter.org, to sign-up to participate in an activity.

Enroll in the STRIVE program by completing this intake form and emailing it to Sara Eckstein at seckstein@viscardicenter.org.