Alyssa is a junior at Davenport University studying Human Resources. Last summer she interned with the Workplace Design team at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. 

Alyssa loves animals and outdoor activities including walking, biking, and kayaking.   

When asked why she wanted to become a student ambassador, Alyssa said, “I want to help transition students foster growth and have enjoyable experiences.” 

Alyssa has a very caring demeanor and although she is soft spoken, she has made a big impact in her role as a BSBP Ambassador mentor. 

July 9-13, 2023

Intro to Work Readiness will include self-advocacy instruction, career exploration, adaptive living techniques, orientation and mobility experiences, finance education, assistive technology, and leisure activities. The program is intended as the first step in preparation for future transition services to help students meet their goals.

Students will reside at the BSBP Training Center and complete programing on-site and within the local community. Student skills will be evaluated, and if appropriate, interested students will be invited to stay for an extended training following this trial week.

July 18-21, 2023

Transitions in Training is being offered in-person for 2023! Students will participate in the highly interactive 5-day program beginning Tuesday, July 18 through Friday, July 21.

Highlights include:

• Tour a variety of local businesses
• Dinner with Agency Directors
• Stay on MSU Campus
• Learn about your community resources
• Know your interview style
• Practice your interviewing skills through mock interviews with professionals

August 13-18, 2023

Starting to plan your education and career journey? Check out the STEM Track to see where science, technology, engineering, and mathematics might take you!

Through a series of fun, interactive activities, students will explore a variety of STEM-related areas, as well as relevancy for advanced education and employment. Students will also get a chance to participate in educational outings within the community and interact with sighted peers.

The program will use tactile models, sound, and hands-on activities. Students will also be introduced to 3D printing technology by assembling a 3D printer, 3D printing objects, learning about the phases of the moon, examining the surface and structure of the sun, tracing life cycles of the stars, discovering the shapes and structures of star clusters and galaxies, and exploring the constellations that make up the zodiac signs.

Sound like a blast to you? Then register at https://bit.ly/BSBP-STEM2023 and follow up with your local BSBP counselor for a referral.

August 3-5, 2023

BSBP and Eurisko Vocational Services have partnered to provide innovative new leadership training for postsecondary students. The program will include employment-focused activities and leadership training designed to introduce students to skills they will need to successfully interview and demonstrate leadership abilities. Students will be scored on their leadership abilities throughout the program in addition to a final interview to become a BSBP Student Ambassador. 

BSBP has a need for student mentors to assist with camps and programming throughout the state. In order to maximize resources and provide valuable experience to our students, BSBP has developed a 1-year work program with monthly training. These experiences will allow students a valuable introduction to work skills. BSBP students who are interested in the work experience will complete “Take the Lead” weekend and will interview for paid positions. Sign up at https://forms.gle/a8sS1FEy5jr7SLrQ9.

Did you know that BSBP has a Device Lending Library?  BSBP can also provide one on one training on how to best use the borrowed device. These devices can be borrowed for many reasons including trying the device before purchase, as a loaner during product repair, job or work experience support, technology training with BSBP teacher, to participate in a Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) or other pre-approved service. 

BSBP Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Paige Lloyd recently had success using the Lending Library. Paige had been working with a student while he was taking part in Project Search at Jackson National. The student was more familiar with a braille note so he was having some issues using a computer. 

Unfortunately, the braille note is not compatible with the program's system, so Paige worked through the Lending Library to get the student an iPad to use. The iPad made it easier for the student to navigate his email and using Microsoft products. 

"One of his assignments while at Project Search was to complete a PowerPoint presentation and using the iPad has made the process much smoother for him," said Paige. "He also received a digital magnifier through the Lending Library which has helped him perform some job duties. Overall, the iPad and magnifier helped build up his confidence in performing his job duties independently.”

And best of all - the Lending Library will deliver the devices right to you! View the list of items that we have available. 

If you're interested, you will need to contact your BSBP counselor or teacher and complete the Training Center Lending Library Equipment Request Form. 

Have a suggestion for an awesome device that you do not see listed? Just let us know at shackleym@michigan.gov. 

Timothy S. Vallier

Tim is known and loved all across the state as a funny, hardworking counselor with a heart of gold. He’s a wrestling coach, amateur blacksmith and 7-year BSBP Vet from Gladstone - waaaaay up in U.P. 

Tim attended Lakeland College in Wisconsin and has two kids, two cats and a lovely wife.

“I LOOOVE the paperwork that comes with the job!" said Tim, "Just kidding. I love interacting with the kiddos and adult supporters to help students live the lives they want to live.”

For Tim, there’s nothing better than helping a student to uncover their voice. Tim was nominated by Kim Otto at Jackson County ISD.

"Tim always goes above and beyond to make things work," Kim shared. “I remember when he picked up all of the Jackson County VI students who are still in school while he had a full caseload in the UP. He makes the students feel important and heard. Tim has been very helpful in explaining BSBP programs, and what is (and will be) available to each of them, whether it be this summer or in the more distant future.” 

Way to go Tim!!! Thanks for being an excellent partner to the students and families that you serve.

Do you have an awesome BSBP counselor who goes above and beyond to help you (or your child) achieve your goals? Well now you can tell the world about them😊! 

We would love to profile your counselor in one of our upcoming monthly newsletters! Just to sweeten the deal, if your submission is selected, you will receive a special gift courtesy of the BSBP Pre-ETS team. 

Complete your quick and easy nomination at https://forms.gle/i2EkPg72Z6927xEd8.

The Lean In Prep store is open for business!

The Lean In! Prep Team are aware that bias is an obstacle that stands between us and our employment goals. They believe the best way to surmount this hurtle is through excellence in all we do.

As part of the Lean In! program, participants develop and run a small online business. More than making the money, these young people are learning teamwork and collaboration concepts as well as receiving solid resume building skills. 

The students have done their part. Now, it's time for us to “Be Excellent” and support what they are doing! Show your support by purchasing one of the items from the Prep store at LeanInPrep.vanwardconsulting.com. 

To learn more about this program, watch the video here https://youtu.be/3TmALnRB7zc.