The Transition Work-Based Learning Model Demonstration Grant Building Collaboration to Improve Outcomes Presented by: Betsy Hopkins - DVR Libby Stone-Sterling - DVR August 3, 2017

Presentation Objectives Participants will… Gain an understanding of the goals of Maine’s Work-Based Learning Model demonstration Grant Have a new understanding of the value of partnership with their state’s Jobs for America’s Graduates affiliate

Introduction The importance of paid work experience VR’s Experience What we know about youth What the data tells us Why this grant? Review JMG’s longitudinal data regarding categories of students with disabilities, and the realization of moving toward serving this audience with intent.

The Grant What: Disability Innovation Fund: Transition Work-Based Learning Model Demonstration Grant (CFDA Number: 84.421B) Length of Grant: 5 years (began October 1, 2016) Amount of Funding: $9 million Funder: Rehabilitation Services Administration (part of the US Department of Education – Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services) Purpose: Provide effective work-based learning experiences (at least 2 per student) in coordination with other transition services, including pre-employment transition services and customized employment, to students with disabilities to ensure that those students are prepared for postsecondary education and competitive integrated employment. Suggest we talk about the required research here and the different way the grant will be delivered. Enhanced” Jobs for Maine’s Graduates programming and Progressive Employment

Partners Jobs for Maine’s Graduates Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) American Institutes for Research (AIR) Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation Center for Workforce Research and Information Brief description of each partner and their role in the grant

Partners Cont. But we’ll also be working with … Youth and their families Schools Employers Youth in Transition Committee Community Rehabilitation Providers Reiterate that the Youth In Transition committee will serve as an advisory board.

Grant Purpose/Goals Serve students who are within two years of high school graduation or exit Bangor and Augusta catchment areas Evaluate the effectiveness of two interventions “Enhanced” Jobs for Maine’s Graduates programming Progressive Employment Develop replicable, sustainable and collaborative ways to provide pre-employment transition services to youth with disabilities Within 1 year after graduation at least 90 percent of study participants will enter postsecondary education/training or competitive integrated employment. .

Strategies Expand JMG programs to five new high schools in the Bangor area Cross-train all JMG Specialists as ACRE-certified Employment Specialists Launch “Progressive Employment” in the Augusta and Bangor catchment areas Build new relationships with local employers Provide additional transition resources (Rehabilitation Counselor I’s ) to provide direct services to students and coordinate with VR Counselors as well as provide support to JMG Specialists on disability and inclusion Ultimately all JMG staff will be trained in ACRE training and Disability and Inclusion 101 The schools will be : Bangor High School, Hampden Academy, Hermon High School, Old Town High School and Orono High School Each superintendent is going to be presenting to their school board as well.

Questions?

For More Information Progressive Employment http://www.explorevr.org/content/vermont-progressive-employment-model Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) http://www.jag.org/ https://www.jmg.org/ - Maine affiliate

CONTACT INFO Betsy Hopkins Division of Vocational Rehabilitation 150 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0150 Email: betsy.hopkins@maine.gov Phone: (207) 623-6745 Libby Stone-Sterling Email: libby.stone-sterling@maine.gov Phone: (207)623-7943  Maine Department of Labor provides Equal Opportunity in employment and programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request