The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) is partnering with San Diego State University Interwork Institute (SDSU-II) and TV Calling, the leading educational resource in television writing, to evaluate the effects and benefits of work-based learning experiences to prepare students with disabilities to enter post-secondary education (PSE) and obtain competitive integrated employment (CIE). DOR is the lead agency for the California Career Innovations Work-Based Learning Initiative (CCI). Collaborations will include Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) throughout California, led by Region Managers from the Vallejo Unified School District, California State University - Los Angeles, Riverside County Office of Education and San Diego Health Sciences High & Middle College. Students with disabilities throughout these regions, between ages 16-21, with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 plans will be identified to participate in this project. Greater investment in building and sustaining high-quality work-based learning (WBL) programs for high school students is essential if we expect our young people to learn about work, read TV scripts, gain maturity and develop employability skills in non-school environments, make informed career choices, and succeed in their path toward training and careers (Alfeld et al., 2013). CCI will ensure a career relevant focus in the attainment of Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) and post-secondary education for students with disabilities.

CCi Sucess Story was introduced in the RSA Newsletter.

CA Career Innovations is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) Grant #H421B160004. The contents of this website do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.