WorkAbility and TPP, key components of the School To Career Program, are a joint effort among middle and high schools in Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach, supportive community agencies and local businesses that can help students make a successful transition from school to the world of work. The program may provide:

• Career awareness and exploration
• Pre-employment skills training
• Employment placement and follow-up for high school students in special education
• Independent living training
• Life After High School education options
• Paid and non-paid work experience
• Support and guidance from vocational staff

WorkAbility Background

• WorkAbility was initiated in November 1981 as a pilot project to test the concept of work experience for youth with disabilities.
• WorkAbility continues to successfully conduct interagency coordination of services, which began with a September 1982 Employment Development Department, State Department of Rehabilitation and California Department of Education non-financial interagency agreement.
• Through a designation as one of the ten best transition programs of its type in the United States, WorkAbility has received national recognition of its success in matching young adults who have disabilities with employers who need workers.
• Redondo Beach Unified School District has been a part of the WorkAbility program since 1983

WorkAbility Mission

The mission of the WorkAbility program is to promote the involvement of key stakeholders including students, families, educators, employers and other agencies in planning and implementing an array of services that will culminate in successful student transition to employment, lifelong learning and quality of life.

WorkAbility in the Middle Schools

The Middle School WorkAbility program is designed to provide opportunities for students to understand their interests and strengths and to use that knowledge to empower themselves. Other components of the program may also include:

• Assisting 6-8 grade students in entering high school with academic, social and career awareness skills
• Encouraging students to make informed choices about their future
• Emphasizing self-advocacy and self-determination skills
• Providing transition activities in preparation for high school
• Career awareness and exploration activities

WorkAbility in the High School

The High School WorkAbility program is designed to provide students receiving Special Education services in their secondary education program important and valuable school-to-career activities which will assist them in preparing for a successful transition to work and adult life. The program also may offer:

• Surveys which help students to explore their interests for future employment
• Career counseling
• Help with job placement
• Pre-employment training and preparation
• Visiting and observing students in their work environment
• Elective credit for work experience
• Exploration of the options  available after high school

WorkAbility Works!

The WorkAbility Program strives to be effective and to increase the potential for student employment success by providing :

• Appropriate program services suited to individual student needs, abilities and interests
• Coordination between state and local service providers and services tailored to local needs
• Student understanding of job seeking and job keeping skills
• Two-year follow-up support services after high school graduation

Transition Partnership Program (TPP)

The Transition Partnership Program (TPP) is a partnership between schools and the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR ). The purpose of this partnership is to successfully transition eleventh and twelfth grade high school students into meaningful employment and successful independent living.

With support from program staff, students may receive:

• Career guidance
• Employment preparation skills
• Transportation training and assistance
• Vocational training
• Job development services
• Agency referrals and assistance