The transition to young adulthood can be challenging for everyone – there are higher expectations, more independence and lots of social, emotional and financial changes to adjust to. And the stakes are even higher for someone who is blind or visually impaired.
That’s why Perkins developed Career Launch @ Perkins: to help blind and visually impaired young adults successfully navigate the path to full-time professional work.
The innovative job training, internship, and career services program is helping high school and college graduates, ages 18 to 29, land their first career-track job. The curriculum is designed specifically to provide the hands-on training and experience necessary to build a sustainable career in professional fields where exceptional customer engagement is key to business success.
“I’m glad I made the decision to enroll in Career Launch,” said Arienne, a participant in the September 2019 session who hails from Macon, Georgia. “This program has taught me to become more confident in myself and in the workplace.”
Career Launch comprises an eight-week training program – focused on customer success skills, foundational working skills, and assistive technology – followed by a two-month internship in the Boston area, and then a year of support from our Perkins-based career services team once the graduate returns to their hometown.
“I look forward to using the skills I’m learning in Career Launch to help me to become a more independent and successful woman,” said Estefani, a participant from North Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Equipped with the latest skills and experience gained through working with our network of employer partners – some of the leading companies across industries such as healthcare, hospitality, telecom, retail, financial services, higher education and e-commerce – each graduate will leave Career Launch as a well-rounded problem solver with transferable skills in many areas including sales and marketing, transaction management, recruiting, client services and more.
Shaun, a participant from Watertown, Massachusetts, said, “One of the most fascinating things about the curriculum is the variety of subjects that are taught - that helps us understand the many facets of getting a good job and maintaining it.”
Perkins is currently accepting applications for the fall session. To learn more, visit Perkins.Org/CareerLaunch.
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For more information about Career Launch, young adults, families and referring professionals can contact Deana Criess, Associate Director of Recruitment and Admissions, via email at [email protected] or by phone at (617) 972-7804.