Valley Forge Educational Services and Local Businesses Provide Work Experience to Young Adults with Disabilities

From July 9 through August 3, thirteen young adults will participate in Valley Forge Educational Services’ Vocational Immersion Program (VIP), a pre-employment program focusing on career exploration, work readiness and independent living skills for youth with disabilities. Three local businesses, Sophia's®  Dolls and Doll Clothes in Malvern, Starr Books in Royersford and Douglassville, and TE Connectivity, a world leader in connectivity and sensors in Berwyn, have collaborated with the organization to provide educational vocational experiences for the 2018 summer program.

These business partners welcome VIP participants into an inclusive work environment, an essential ingredient in this program. By providing opportunities for practical work experiences, business partners help participants learn the employment skills needed to succeed in competitive jobs.

On-the-job mentors serve as positive role models for the young people who, through these experiences, gain confidence, exposure to an inclusive work environment, training and work-readiness skills.  Most importantly, participants, who would otherwise face barriers to employment because of their disability, receive the tools and experience for entryway to future careers. 

In addition to real world work experiences, the Vocational Immersion Program includes classroom lessons, interview preparation, resume development, community-based instruction and an independent living experience to prepare the young adults for independence.

Upon successful completion of the program, August 3, participants will receive recognition for their accomplishments and the business partners will be honored for their commitment to helping young adults with disabilities.

Learn more about the Vocational Immersion Program