1. 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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. The Grant
What: Disability Innovation Fund: Transition Work-Based Learning Model Demonstration Grant (CFDA Number: B)
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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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. .

8. 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.

9. Questions?

10. For More Information Progressive Employment
Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG)
- Maine affiliate

11. CONTACT INFO
Betsy Hopkins
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
150 State House Station
Augusta, ME
Phone: (207)
Libby Stone-Sterling
Phone: (207)
 Maine Department of Labor provides Equal Opportunity in employment and programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request