• STRIVE Program Overview

    • STRIVE (Supported Training and Rehabilitative Instruction in Vocational Education) is a community-based work skills program for students with special needs, with an emphasis on acquisition of adult independence. The mission and purpose of the program is to provide real-life work experiences for students with intellectual disabilities in real community-based businesses. During their time in the program, students receive instruction on basic work skills and appropriate work behaviors. STRIVE provides an instructional focus on IEP Transition Plan activities, postsecondary goals, and outcomes. Students learn a variety of job skills as well as soft skills needed for all types of employment. Soft skills include professionalism, work ethic, enthusiasm, teamwork, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving.

      The STRIVE program helps to empower students to reach their full potential, offering many benefits to participating students, including full community integration and inclusion, a competitive edge in the workplace, a bridge to adult life through supported transition, and an opportunity to explore career clusters through a variety of job tasks.

      STRIVE Student & Parent Handbook  

Assessments in STRIVE

  • Decorative photo of a student taking a test

    We use a variety of approved assessments to measure and document student success and learning. Students in our STRIVE program have completed their high school credits therefore, there are no End of Course exams, Milestones or, Gateway assessments. 

  • What Do Students Need?

    • Parents often ask what STRIVE students will need at the vocational training site. This varies depending on the site where the student is working, but in general all students need to follow the guidelines below. Contact your teacher for detailed and specific information for your sites, or if you have questions about where your student is assigned.

      • Slip-resistant shoes (What are slip-resistant shoes?)
      • Black, navy, or khaki pants (check with your teacher for required color)
      • A plain, solid belt
      • Black socks
      • Solid-color, collared shirt (some locations require a specific shirt, which is provided)
      • Nails and facial hair trimmed professionally
      • Ask your teacher about jewelry. Some sites allow simple jewelry and some do not allow any jewelry.
      • Some school sites allow jeans on Friday. Your teacher will let you know if jeans are permitted for your site on Fridays.
      • Additional dress requirements might be neccessary.

      Please note that students training at medical sites, such as a hospital, may require medical clearance in order to train at that site.