Local teens get hands-on experience that will help them find jobs after graduation thanks to the Transition Pilot program.

Summit DD, Koinonia and United Disability Services (UDS) collaborated to pilot a transition services program for teens with disabilities. The organizations worked with Copley/Fairlawn and Woodridge schools to prepare young adults for the professional world after graduation.

The Transition Services for Youth pilot program helped prepare young adults with developmental disabilities for the professional world after graduation. Students from the ages of 14 to 22 are able to take advantage of community-based career exploration activities, such as: workplace tours, volunteer opportunities, internships, and job coaching to name a few, all in tandem with their regular academic activities.

The organizations hope to expand the program to other Summit County school districts in the coming years.