AmeriCorps - Young Adult Transition Corps (YATC)
Project Description:
Young Adult Transition Corps (YATC), an AmeriCorps program of The Ohio State University Nisonger Center on Excellence in Disabilities, is dedicated to serving young adults with disabilities (approx. ages 16-25) and their families and promoting successful transitions as these young adults enter adult life. Studies have shown that students with disabilities who graduate from high school often experience poor adjustment to adult life, evidenced by low employment rates, low wages, and low rates of participation in post-secondary education and vocational training programs.
To address this need, AmeriCorps/YATC members collaborate with high school students with disabilities to develop ongoing service learning projects. Members also engage young adults with disabilities in other educational and community-based programs in the Columbus area that promote community service, community access, and social skill development, three areas critical to successful transition. YATC members come from a variety of backgrounds and include high school graduates, current college students (undergraduate or graduate), or college graduates.
The support provided by YATC members helps participants become more engaged in their communities and confident in social situations. Participants learn the importance of giving back to their communities and gain the work and life skills that come with community service. Participants also learn about the resources available in their communities, and how to access those resources. In addition, participants engage in team building activities and social events that encourage friendship and social skill development.
Mission: Young Adult Transition Corps is committed to improving the quality of life for youth with disabilities who are transitioning from school to adult life through activities that promote community service, community access, and social skill development.
Keyword(s):
transition, community service, community access, social skill building
Core Function(s):
Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training, Performing Research or Evaluation
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention, Health-Related Activities, Employment-Related Activities, Transportation-Related Activities, Recreation-Related Activities, Quality of Life
Target Audience:
Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Single-County
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
