School-to-Careers

Participants may access the School-To-Careers Adult Education Partnership Model by referral from a local education agency, DWS, other adult service agencies, or by self-referral.

The Counselor collects necessary biographical information to determine client's needs. More formal assessment instruments can include SRA, TABE, BESTEL, GATV/VGP or current ASVAB, COPS, and CHOICES.

SEOP (Student Education Occupation Plan): Utilizing the state's Comprehensive Counseling and Guidance Program in an Adult Education setting, participants are given the opportunity to set and evaluate their educational and occupational goals and connect them to meaningful activities that will help them achieve these goals. This "road map" will reflect personal interests, abilities, previous work experience, and needs. Future skill attainment, course selection and scheduling, program completion requirements, accommodations for personal barriers, WBL experiences, time lines, etc. will all be considered in the SEOPgoal of achieving self-sufficiency.

Other support needs such as child care, employment, transportation, housing, etc. may be determined by the Counselor and referrals made to appropriate agencies such as DWS, DRS, Housing Authority, Mental Health, Legal Aid, etc. By addressing needs up front, participants are better able to commit themselves to completing their program. Also, having to seek outside supports are minimized.

This on-the -job experience and training is coordinated with the participant's SEOP; WBL experiences must have specific correlation to his / her career interests and academic studies. Counselors may access the UTES database to assist with identification of WBL options. DWS will also be responsible for determining how a participant's earning wages may affect other benefits the participant may be receiving, and take necessary actions to prevent a loss in benefits while they are in the program.

Toward the end of the WBL program, every effort will be made to assist the participants in obtaining relevant employment, as they complete their SEOP goals.

WBL enriches the education experience and plays a major role in keeping the participants motivated to complete their education. It is critical to the success of the School-to-Career program.