| Title: |
Supporting Young Adults in Special Education as They Enter the Labor Market: Experiences from the Implementation of Bridges from School to Work. OPRE 2024-325 |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Jody Schimmel Hyde; Sarah Croake; Alex Bauer; Jonathan Willing; Yuri Feliciano; Administration for Children and Families (DHHS), Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE); Social Security Administration (SSA); Mathematica |
| Source: |
Administration for Children & Families. 2024. |
| Availability: |
Administration for Children & Families. US Department of Health and Human Services, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW, Washington, DC 20447. Web site: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ |
| Peer Reviewed: |
N |
| Page Count: |
62 |
| Publication Date: |
2024 |
| Contract Number: |
HHSP233201500035I; HHSP23337035T |
| Document Type: |
Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: |
Young Adults; Special Education; Labor Market; Program Implementation; Disabilities; Transitional Programs; Education Work Relationship; Supported Employment; Employment Programs; Career Development; Job Training; Specialists; Job Skills; Learning Disabilities |
| Abstract: |
This report discusses findings from a descriptive and cost study of the Bridges from School to Work (Bridges) program. The program helps young adults with disabilities find and maintain competitive employment. It is part of the Next Generation of Enhanced Employment Strategies (NextGen) Project, which seeks to rigorously evaluate employment strategies for people with low incomes and physical or mental health challenges. The NextGen Project is using a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of Bridges. The report explores the design, implementation, and cost of Bridges. The Bridges program model is based on research showing that young adults with disabilities can find and keep jobs if they have the necessary supports, and that having the opportunity to work during the secondary school years increases the likelihood of employment after youth leave school. A single point of contact, called an employment specialist (ES), uses a strengths-based approach and their professional discretion to determine the amount and mix of services that each participant needs to prepare for and sustain competitive employment. The program model also focuses on employers; it dictates that ESs develop and maintain relationships with employers and keep employers' needs in mind when making decisions about how to prepare participants for work and match them to jobs. [This study was done in partnership with The Adjacent Possible as part of the Next Generation of Enhanced Employment Strategies (NextGen) Project.] |
| Abstractor: |
ERIC |
| Entry Date: |
2025 |
| Accession Number: |
ED673932 |
| Database: |
ERIC |