The Power of Youth
SCVRD’s youth programs work to reduce the dropout rate of youth with disabilities and improve their participation in employment-related activities. These programs focus on building self-esteem, developing personal leadership skills, and preparing young adults with disabilities for life beyond high school.
Through High School/High Tech students are encouraged to set their sites on a college and career in the fields of science, technology, engineering or math. Students with disabilities enrolled in High School/High Tech sites take field trips to science and technology-related businesses and attractions. They’re offered on-the-job experiences through job shadowing activities and internships.
The SC Youth Leadership Forum is an annual career and leadership training program that is both educational and motivational. High school juniors and seniors are selected each summer to spend a week learning about disability history, community and academic resources, career options and personal leadership. They take part in social activities enabling them to network and learn from each other and build friendships that will last a lifetime.
Disability Mentoring Day is commemorated each October and pairs students with disabilities with employers for a one-on-one job shadowing experience. DMD is designed to expose young adults to a variety of career options and provide them with a better understanding of the work place environment. Participants are given a chance to learn about the day-to-day responsibilities required of a desired occupation and the skills and education requirements specific to a job in that career field. At the same time, employers benefit from DMD by understanding what people with disabilities have to offer to the workplace. The event is sponsored nationally by the American Association of People with Disabilities and implemented in SC by SCVRD and its statewide partners.