Getting Ready for Opportunities in Work - G.R.O.W.

G.R.O.W.  is a week-long summer program designed to equip students ages 14 to 21 with the skills and knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their future and transition into competitive integrated employment. The program is a minimum of 25 service hours, providing comprehensive exposure to all five of the Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) areas of focus. 

Five Key Areas of Focus:

1. Job Exploration Counseling: Helping students explore different career paths and understand their interests.
2. Workplace Readiness Training: Providing training on essential workplace skills like communication, teamwork, and work ethic.
3. Work-Based Learning: Offering opportunities for students to gain practical experience in real work settings.
4. Self-Advocacy Instruction: Equipping students with the skills to advocate for their needs and rights in the workplace.
5. Counseling on Post-Secondary Opportunities: Guiding students on options like vocational training, technical colleges, or universities. 

Example of a Week-Long G.R.O.W. Program Schedule:

• Monday-Job Exploration Counseling:
  • Local labor market information
  • Interest Inventory
  • Panel of local employers
  • Learn more about job requirements and work environments
• Tuesday-Workplace Readiness Training:
  • Job seeking skills (resumes and applications) *all participants leave with a skills-based resume
  • Work Behaviors (sexual harassment, transportation plan, cell phone use, grooming, dress codes, interpersonal relationships (internal and external customer service), time management
  • Common risks to successful job retention
• Wednesday-Work-Based Learning:
  • Virtual/ in-person tours
  • Connect students with mentors from business providers used for CWAT
  • Presentations by employers
  • Possible community day of service/volunteering jobs
• Thursday-Self-Advocacy Instruction:
  • Understanding and requesting on-the-job accommodations
  • Knowing when and how to disclose your disability
  • Identifying how your disability impacts them at work
  • Responsibility for online and social media activity
• Friday-Counseling on Post-Secondary Opportunities:
  • Is college the correct path?
  • TCSG/USG
  • Disability Services (Accommodations, Assistive Technology)
  • FAFSA & types of aid
  • Applying to technical schools and colleges
  • Inclusive Post-Secondary
  • When to start Planning for College

Eligibility:

• Be between the ages of 14 and 21 (up to their 22nd birthday)
• Be enrolled in secondary or post-secondary education
• Not be a graduating senior unless they have received an acceptance letter to a college or university