Youth Immersion Program

The Youth Immersion Program provides career exploration, life skills, and workforce training opportunities to students between the ages of 14-21 with a disability or educational accommodation through a 504 Plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP). These fundamental career exploration services pave the way to improved employment outcomes for participants.   

These services supplement the services funded directly from Vocational Rehabilitation and are funded by employU, the Ryan Foundation, and FifthThird. These extra services are funded from January 1, 2024 until December 31, 2024. In order to receive the full benefit of these additional services regular participation is essential.

What can you expect?

• Career exploration focused events
• Social enrichment
• Independent thinking
• Post-secondary education opportunities
• Hands-on learning
• Development of skills and interests pertaining to career choice
• Life skills

Program Benefits

• Strengthen career readiness skills
• Develop fundamental employability skills 
• Increased access to local transportation to overcome transportation barriers 
• Enhanced understanding of in-demand careers in the community 
• Expand communication and self-advocacy skills
• Improve confidence and social skills

Program Features

• Worksite tours to allow students to see firsthand what various companies do, learn about diverse industries with in-demand career opportunities, and tour their facilities to better understand what career options may be available to them, as well as helpful credentials they may need to land their dream job.
• Post-secondary exploration excursions to educate students (and parents) about opportunities, disability services, financial aid, and programming at community, vocational, and four-year colleges.
• Volunteer experiences to promote civic engagement, access to community resources, improve and practice soft-skills, and utilize teamwork. These outings may include volunteering with Orange County Animal Services as well as community food distribution with Second Harvest.
• Transportation training sessions to educate, access, and practice using public transportation including Lynx, Access Lynx, and SunRail.
• Transportation assistance  provided to students for educational outings and training opportunities on an as-needed basis to encourage participation and overcome transportation barriers that would prohibit many students from engaging in services.
• Entry-level certification training including ServSafe, OSHA 10 and/or CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Bi-monthly virtual career readiness training to teach students how to utilize employment platforms, craft a resume, as well as how to prepare and participate in an interview.
• End of training student evaluations to provide career counseling.

Interested in Becoming a Volunteer?

employU Volunteers chaperone field trips and assist with other Youth Immersion Program events. If you’re interested in volunteering with employU click the button below.