ADEC has been awarded a contract to provide Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for several high schools in St. Joseph County, starting in October of the 2024-2025 school year. These services are designed for students with disabilities between the ages of 14 to 22 and aim to assist them in transitioning from school to work by providing essential skills and experiences for successful employment. The program consists of five key service areas: Job Exploration and Counseling, Work-Based Learning Experiences, Counseling on Post-Secondary Education, Workplace Readiness Training, and Instruction in Self-Advocacy.
ADEC is pleased to offer Pre-ETS to several schools, including Riley High School, Adams High School, Washington High School, Studebaker High School, Marian High School, The South Bend Career Academy, The Portage School of Leaders, and Purdue Polytech High School. The services will be available year-round, including during the summer when school is not in session.
To ensure the effectiveness and accessibility of these services, ADEC will collaborate with the schools and community partners to identify students who can benefit from Pre-ETS and provide consistent, quality service. ADEC will also build relationships with local businesses and organizations to create work-based learning opportunities tailored to meet each student’s specific needs and goals. Additionally, ADEC is committed to engaging families in the transition process and encouraging student participation in transition planning by teaching self-advocacy.
By fostering inclusive communities and providing opportunities for all individuals to achieve their fullest potential, ADEC looks forward to collaborating with St. Joseph County Schools to impact students’ lives positively.
Parents interested in enrolling their child in St. Joseph or Elkhart County Pre-ETS programs can contact Monica Davis, a Youth Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the state of Indiana, at [email protected].
Article by Cassidy Rehrer | Communications Specialist
