A MENTOR PROGRAM FOR FACILITATING THE LIFETRANSITIONS OF INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE HANDICAPPING CONDITIONS

Abstract

In order to ensure that more youths with learning disabilities graduate from high school, enroll in postsecondary training, and are employed in jobs commensurate with their training, a transition program has been developed. Each youth is paired with a mentor during his or her junior year in high school, and the mentor/protege team works cooperatively to complete tasks related to the individual goals of the protege. A transition coordinator monitors the efforts of teams and provides access to needed resources. Preliminary results are promising with regard to increasing graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates.