Sycamore works with high schools, community employers and other agencies to provide high quality, long-term systems for school-to-work transition services that better prepare students with disabilities to be successful as they enter the adult world.

Pre-Employment Services (Pre-ETS)

A collaborative project serving students with disabilities for a meaningful future.

Mission
The mission of the Pre-Employment Transition Services Collaborative (Pre-ETS) is to provide positive strategies for students with disabilities through supported decision making concerning community living, further educational opportunities, and employment. Services are available for students ages 14-22 with a documented disability, and include the following:
• Job exploration and counseling
• Work-based learning experiences
• Instruction in self-advocacy
• Assistance with post-secondary education counseling and enrollment

In 2014, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law – one of
its provisions amended the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. With the new changes, each state is
required, through their respective offices of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies, to set aside
federal funds for the provision of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to “students
with disabilities who are eligible or potentially eligible for VR services.” VR is a state agency
that is housed in the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). Their mission is to
assist individuals with disabilities to become employed. Through this initiative to pass this
legislation, it was determined that a portion of the population was underserved. One national
study indicated students who had a real work experience doubled their chance of being employed as an adult. This is a great opportunity to ensure students have access to meaningful career counseling in order to help with the seamless transition to employment or post-secondary
training.

Opportunities for High School Students
• Does your child face challenges as a student?
• Does he/she have barriers to success?
• Do you know there is assistance to support your student in making
choices about life after high school?

Career Coaches work with school personnel and families to identify students who could benefit
from Pre-ETS services. Students meet regularly with their Career Coach to explore careers and
identify options for education and training opportunities after graduation. Career Coaches can
work with students in school settings as well as connect students with community partners.
Individual and group instruction is available.

Pre-ETS Services for high school students may include activities such as:
➢ Assessing your strengths and interests to identify possible career pathways
➢ Volunteering to add experience to your resume.
➢ Touring area colleges to learn about majors and available support services.
➢ Attending Summer Program to make friends and participate in fun activities.

Opportunities for Post-Secondary Students
As Pre-ETS can serve students with disabilities until the age of 23, students from many different
post-secondary institutions may be eligible for services including: cosmetology programs,
apprenticeship programs, community colleges and traditional 4-year college programs.
Although students have graduated high school, many students find that they could still benefit
from additional supports to be successful in their post-secondary pursuits.
Pre-ETS Services for post-secondary students may include activities such as:
➢ Learning “soft skills” such as communication and problem solving skills.
➢ Connecting with industry leaders for advice on resumes and interviewing.
➢ Gaining awareness of your individual rights and how to advocate for yourself.
➢ Opportunities for paid and non-paid internships and/or work experiences

Questions? Contact program director, Patti Sebanc, at pssebanc@sycamoreservices.com.