VR Career Camps are specifically designed to support the transition from high school to postsecondary education, training, or employment for students between the ages of 14-21 who have an IEP, 504 Plan, receive accommodations in a private sector, or have documentation supporting their need for services. These immersive camps offer a comprehensive range of services, including Work Readiness Training, Self-Advocacy, Work-Based Learning Experiences, Postsecondary Educational Counseling, and Job Exploration Counseling. VR Providers have the flexibility to create a dynamic and engaging experience by offering these services in a bundled format during extended school breaks, such as Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter, when schools are closed for at least three consecutive days.

This program is specifically designed to equip students with the knowledge, tools, and experiences necessary to embark on a successful career journey. Whether you’re exploring your options, gaining work experience, or honing essential skills, Career Camp provides the perfect opportunity to grow, learn, and prepare for the workforce.

Key Objectives of Career Camp:

1. Discover Your True Passions:
   Participate in engaging activities and self-reflection exercises that help you uncover your true interests and passions. These insights will serve as the foundation for creating a fulfilling career path that aligns with your strengths and aspirations.
2. Explore Diverse Career Pathways:
   Engage with guest speakers, industry visits, and case studies that introduce you to a variety of career options. This exploration will broaden your perspective and help you better understand the many possibilities available to you.
3. Build Essential Marketable Skills:
   Engage in workshops and collaborative projects that focus on key skills employers value most, such as communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. These skills are crucial for your career success and will make you a more competitive candidate in any job market.
4. Personalized Career Guidance and Development:
   Take advantage of personalized career counseling sessions designed to guide your professional journey. Benefit from expert resume reviews, mock interviews, and tailored feedback, which will help you refine your approach and develop a strategic career plan. Whether you’re just starting or preparing for your next move, our guidance will help you set clear goals and make informed decisions.

At Career Camp, we provide more than just an introduction to careers—we help you develop the confidence, skills, and industry knowledge needed to excel in the professional world. In addition to career preparation, we also offer support for post-secondary planning. Whether you are considering college, vocational training, or other educational opportunities, we will assist you with navigating the application process, exploring funding options, and connecting with resources to ensure a smooth transition from high school to post-secondary education. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to invest in your future and gain a competitive edge

Vocational Rehabilitation Pre-ETS Services

Our Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) are designed to support students with disabilities by providing the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to successfully transition into the workforce. Through our comprehensive Career Camps, we offer a variety of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each student, helping them build the foundation for a successful career. Here’s a closer look at the services included in our career camps:

1. Self-Advocacy 

Self-advocacy is a crucial skill for students with disabilities as they enter the workforce. In this training, students learn how to:

• Communicate their needs and strengths: Gain confidence in expressing what accommodations or support they may need to succeed in a workplace setting.
• Understand their rights: Learn about the laws and regulations that protect them in the workplace, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and how to request accommodations.
• Practice self-presentation: Develop the skills to confidently speak about their abilities and goals in job interviews and professional settings.

This service helps students become empowered to navigate the workplace with the confidence and tools they need to succeed.

2. Workplace Readiness 

Workplace readiness training focuses on preparing students for the expectations and responsibilities of a job. This training includes:

• Resume building: Students will learn how to create a professional resume that highlights their skills, strengths, and any relevant experience.
• Job search strategies: Students are guided through effective ways to search for job opportunities, including how to use online job boards and leverage networking.
• Interview preparation: Students will participate in mock interviews, learning how to answer questions, present themselves professionally, and handle common interview scenarios.
• Professional behavior: Students are taught essential workplace etiquette, such as punctuality, dress code, communication skills, teamwork, and handling conflict.

These skills are crucial for any student transitioning to the workforce, helping them feel prepared and capable of meeting employer expectations.

3. Job Exploration Counseling

Job exploration counseling helps students identify career paths that align with their strengths, interests, and goals. This includes:

• Career assessments: Students take part in assessments to identify their interests, skills, and work preferences.
• Industry exploration: Students will learn about a variety of industries, including in-demand fields such as technology, healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing, helping them understand the variety of careers available.
• Career goal setting: Students work with counselors to set realistic, achievable career goals and develop a plan to reach them.

This counseling service allows students to explore different career options and make informed decisions about their future employment opportunities.

4. Work-Based Learning Experiences

Real-world experience is essential for preparing students for future employment. Our Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLE) provide students with opportunities to:

• Internships and job shadowing: Students have the chance to observe professionals in their field of interest, gaining insight into daily tasks and workplace environments.
• Volunteer work: Students can engage in community-based volunteer opportunities that help them build valuable experience and develop work skills.
• On-the-job training: For students ready for more hands-on experience, we provide opportunities for short-term employment or paid internships, where they can apply their skills in a real-world setting.

These experiences help students build confidence, develop work-related skills, and create a network of professional contacts that will benefit them in their job search.

5. Postsecondary Counseling

For students who plan to continue their education or training after high school, our postsecondary counseling helps them navigate their options. This includes:

• Exploring postsecondary programs: Students receive guidance on available options such as vocational schools, community colleges, or specialized training programs.
• College and financial aid applications: Students are assisted in understanding the application process for colleges or vocational programs, including applying for scholarships, grants, and financial aid.
• Transition planning: Counselors work with students to develop a transition plan that aligns with their career goals and postsecondary education, ensuring they have the support they need to succeed after high school.