Maine Transition Work Based Learning Model Demonstration

MA-Institute for Community Inclusion/Boston Children's Hospital, UCEDD/LEND
Program Type	UCEDD	Fiscal Year	2020
Contact	Susan Foley, PhD
Email	[email protected]
Phone	617-287-4317
Project Description
Maine Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) was awarded the Transition Work-Based Learning model demonstration grant, with Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI), American Institutes on Research, Jobs for Maine's Graduates, and the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation as key partners. The grant from Rehabilitation Services Administration awarded $1.8 million per year for 5 years. Maine DVR will test out the Progressive Employment model in two new offices serving transition age youth. Maine DVR will utilize the Progressive Employment model to expand employer relationships and align this dual customer community-based strategy with enhanced Jobs for Maines Graduates (JMG) programs for students with disabilities. These interventions will serve at least 200 students with disabilities per year that are within two years of graduation from high school to test whether a model of work-based learning improves competitive integrated employment and postsecondary education outcomes. The ICI leads the Progressive Employment training / technical assistance, supports evaluation, and provides disability training to staff. American Institutes for Research (AIR) will conduct a rigorous evaluation. The Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) provides policy support and national outreach, and the Center for Workforce Research and Information (CWRI) in Maine supports the project's data needs. Project Goals 1. Assist 400 students in the transition years within 2 years of graduation with engagement in career exploration activities including paid work-based learning opportunities. 2. Evaluate the effectiveness of rapid engagement activities of Progressive Employment and the Leadership and self-advocacy skills of JMG. 3. Develop replicable, sustainable and collaborative ways to provide pre-employment transition services. 4. Increase rates of graduation from high school, post-secondary education/training and competitive integrated employment.