Beginning in the Fall of 2013, the STRIVE  Program opened its doors to students ages 18-24. STRIVE is a transition program designed to teach functional academics, independent living skills, and vocational skills to increase the likelihood of independence for youth with disabilities. Recently, the STRIVE program has partnered with a multitude of businesses which include Culvers, Napa Auto Parts, and New Balance to offer students diverse work experiences.

Laurie Rine, a job coach that works with interning STRIVE students, says that being a job coach allows them to “understand appropriate work behaviors that will allow them to be paid employees at one point in time.”

This unique opportunity gives the students a plethora of benefits. Haley Roeder, a vocational coordinator for STRIVE, states that “students gain new skills on the job that they can bring with them when they try to get a paid position. The internships help them get exposure to various types of jobs and build their resume.”

Sandy Whelan, the Assistant Division Leader for Special Education at Prairie Ridge, adds that “besides work skills, the vocational internships provide a multitude of social skill situations which are difficult to replicate in the classroom setting.”

Aside from the students gaining new skills, partnering businesses can also benefit by supporting the STRIVE program’s internships. “Not only do students benefit, participating businesses have gained much insight into the benefits of employing an individual with special needs, as well as removing a hesitation to employ an individual with a disability,” said Sandy Whelan.

Haley Roeder expands on this concept by stating, “internships, help create a more diverse workplace. It gives the paid employees an opportunity to take a leadership role.”

“I like STRIVE because at the internships they don’t define you by your disability. I feel powerful and that I can do anything,” says Corrie Dolan, a first year STRIVE student.

The fundamental goal of the STRIVE internships is to provide work experience to the students, but there is a social-emotional element as well. “Many students share their excitement and pride in accomplishing tasks they once thought were unachievable. These internships provide opportunities to gain confidence and increase their self-esteem,” says Sheri Corcoran, a social worker for the STRIVE program.

The STRIVE Program set out to offer students with various disabilities opportunities to develop skills which can increase the chances of leading more independent lives. The program only hopes to expand their partnerships with businesses in the future to create a bright one for their students.