Transition Programs

Questions? Contact us at dcps.transition@k12.dc.gov

Secondary Transition is the process used to plan and prepare students for life after high school. It includes using information about students’ interests and needs to help them build skills to reach their goals.  The IEP team will develop a secondary transition plan for students. As a part of transition planning, DCPS students may participate in a range of internship programs available to students with disabilities on both the certificate and diploma tracks. For additional information on transition services, programs, and supports, visit:

https://dcps.dc.gov/service/transition-services-programs-and-supports.

Internship Programs

Competitive Employment Opportunities (CEO)

Grade: 11th/12th

Graduation pathway: Diploma

CEO matches each student with a mentor who works in a career field that the student is interested in. Students and mentors meet twice per month from January to May. Students develop a "Career-Focused Project” with their mentor. Students also participate in group training sessions that will help them learn how to succeed in a workplace setting. In the summer, each student participates in an 80-hour internship at their mentor's place of employment.

General Explorations (GE) Workforce Initiative

Grade: 11th/12th or C3/C4

Graduation pathway: Certificate or diploma

General Explorations (GE) allows students who have a transition class on their school schedule to intern in the school building or community.

Workforce Development Programs

Project SEARCH Capital Area Region

Grade: C4 and up at the time of application

Graduation pathway: Certificate

Project SEARCH Capital Area Region (PSCAR) is a one-year program that provides on-the-job training. It is designed for DCPS students aged 18 to 21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This program is for students who want to become employed in a customer service field. Every school day, PSCAR students go to their program site, and receive 1 hour of job readiness instruction from a DCPS Special Education Teacher. PSCAR students receive work training for the rest of the day.

Workforce Development Center at River Terrace EC

Grade: C4 and up at the time of application

Graduation pathway: Certificate

WDC is for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities between the ages of 18 and 21. Students learn skills to help them become ready for a job. WDC offers training in:

Horticulture
Health services
Hospitality.