ESU 6 recently received a $49,000 grant called ACT6 (Advocacy, Careers, Transition) to serve area students and schools in the development of key skills in areas of self-advocacy, workplace readiness, career exploration and planning for college or postsecondary training.
Grant directors Nichole Wetjen and Michalla Schartz pursued this grant as an enrichment opportunity to help students realize their potential through increased understanding of careers and postsecondary planning.
“ESU6 staff and district staff collaborate to utilize the summer months to move their students forward with transition planning,” ESU6 Special Service Director Dr. Michele Rayburn said. “It is a wonderful opportunity, and I am grateful for the dedicated staff who provide it.”
High school students from Wilber-Clatonia, Crete, Exeter-Milligan, Milford, Malcolm, Heartland, Fillmore Central, Dorchester, York and Seward public schools attended the weeklong event.
During this time, Transition Academy instructors Penni Cummings, Rachel Weakland and Amanda Hinds guided students through activities that assisted students in better understanding the expectations of the world of work, how to ask for accommodations on the job and understanding industry standards and the availability for a chosen career.
Students were able to complete hands-on learning activities using job kits.
“Nebraska VR values the relationship that has been established with ESU 4, 5, and 6,” Lupe Stevens, program director for Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation, said. “This relationship has led to the development of the Transition Academy by ESU 4, 5 and 6. This academy has had a great impact on many students in providing them with the chance to explore different jobs and to learn the necessary skills that they will need for their future.”
Students participated on school or community college based sites with peers. Business partnerships are encouraged to help students connect with community based learning opportunities. This is the second year for the Transition Academy with ESU 6.
