For many high school students, graduation is exciting.
It’s also a little overwhelming.
The structure of school is ending. New opportunities are beginning. And suddenly, students are expected to make decisions about, jobs, higher education and training programs, transportation, finances, and what comes next.
For students with disabilities, that transition can come with additional challenges. That’s why VersAbility Resources’ Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) launched its Skills in Action program this summer — to help students build the confidence and practical skills they need before they take that next step.
Over the course of eight weeks, high school students from across the region came to VersAbility’s Copeland Center to learn, practice, and experience what life after graduation can look like.
But this wasn’t a traditional classroom experience.
Instead of simply talking about workplace skills, students put them into action.
They explored potential career paths, practiced interviewing with hiring professionals, learned how to manage a budget, strengthened communication skills, explored transportation options, and gained valuable experience advocating for themselves in workplace scenarios.
Most importantly, they had the opportunity to practice these skills in a supportive environment where making mistakes was part of the learning process.
For Jamal, a senior at Bethel High School, the program helped prepare him for what comes next.
“It prepared me for the next level I’m going to,” he said. “This kind of helped me for everything I needed to know.”
One of the lessons that stuck with him was interview preparation.
“Giving them a firm handshake and asking them how they’re doing today,” Jamal said when describing what he learned from participating in mock interviews.
Other students discovered the importance of communication, teamwork, and asking for help when needed.
“I learned that communication is key,” said Kathy, another graduating senior. “Everyone is kind enough to help you even when you’re struggling.”
Throughout the program, students participated in hands-on activities designed to make workplace concepts tangible and memorable. One of the most popular experiences was a courtroom-style self-advocacy activity where students took on the roles of judges, lawyers, witnesses, and jurors.
The exercise wasn’t just about having fun. It was about helping students understand how to speak up for themselves, navigate workplace challenges, and advocate for fair treatment.
Employment Specialist Tracy Peters saw firsthand how those experiences helped students grow.
“Our self-advocacy lesson was really impactful,” she said. “They learned how to stand up for themselves and advocate for their needs and wants.”
As the weeks progressed, staff members noticed something even more meaningful than new skills.
They saw confidence growing.
Students who were initially quiet began participating more. They supported one another during activities. They became more comfortable introducing themselves, answering questions, and interacting with professionals.
“The biggest thing was their confidence,” Tracy said. “They’re engaging, they’re standing up, they’re laughing, they’re making jokes. They’re supporting each other.”
That confidence is exactly what the program is designed to build.
Whether a student plans to enter the workforce, pursue trade training, attend college, or continue exploring career options, success starts with believing they are capable.
At VersAbility, Pre-ETS Skills in Action is about more than preparing students for employment. It’s about helping them recognize their strengths, discover new possibilities, and leave knowing they are ready for whatever comes next.
