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  Issue # 14 | May 2024
Pre-ETS Corner
Embrace Your Future: The Power of Work-Based Learning
As you stand at the threshold of adulthood, the choices you make today will shape your tomorrow. Transitioning from adolescence to independence is both exciting and daunting. Amidst this pivotal phase, exploring work-based learning experiences can be a transformative journey that propels you towards a fulfilling and successful future.
Have you ever wondered how the things you learn in school are relevant to your life? Or wished you could start making money even though you are still a student? Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a pre-ETS service offered to allow you to start exploring your career passions and, in some cases, earn an income! Work-based learning bridges the gap between classroom education and real-world employment.
What is Work-Based Learning?
- Hands on experiences that cultivate essential skills, knowledge and competencies.
- Opportunity to try out different jobs and learn which roles and assignments you prefer.
- Figure out what career you want to pursue early on, so you don’t end up stuck in a line of work you aren’t passionate about.
WBL Activities include job shadowing, apprenticeships. informational Interviews, internships, community service or volunteering, career mentorships, practicums, career-related competitions, and service-learning opportunities.
Some past WBL experiences students have completed include, but are not limited to, stocking shelves and cashiering, shadowing a hair stylist, interning at a consulting firm, site attendant at an arcade, bounce land and movie theatre, library aide at a community college, communications intern, junior web developer, and data entry.
Want to Know More? Check out the BSBP Transition/Pre-ETS Services and Programs webpage and the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition Work-Based Learning Experiences webpage.
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Our goal is to help students aged 14 to 26 to successfully make the transition from high school to postsecondary education or employment. We offer lots of exciting camps and weekend trips to help you learn while having some fun and meeting other students who are Blind and Visually impaired across the state!
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Check out this list of scholarship and grant opportunities from around the country.
Please check the specific application deadline and requirements for each because they vary.
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BSBP’s recent Survivor program facilitated by CDS Consulting on March 22–25 was created to introduce B/VI students to a soft skill training opportunity to assist with navigating college and work environments – through team building activities and community-based programming, students were introduced to skills related to problem-solving, critical thinking, communication and confidence building.
Throughout the weekend, participants played minute-to-win-it games, stepped on to the rink to ice skate, and engaged with staff at a restaurant by conducting informational interviews. Students were presented with opportunities to take part in entertaining activities and challenges tailored to resemble real-life scenarios.
Students left equipped with practical knowledge and experience, ready for or on a pathway to pursue their goals with resilience. BSBP extends a huge thank you to all who attended, staffed and organized this event!
 From left: group photo of Survivor participants and volunteers dressed in coats ready to ice skate, Survivor participants actively skating on ice with one participant using a Gliding Stars Ice Walker as an adaptive aid and another holding hands with a volunteer/instructor receiving support with learning how to ice skate.
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The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Training Center (BSBPTC) is excited to provide many opportunities for training and learning in Summer 2024. Programming will take place between June 9 and August 11.
The summer programming will be split into three different summer sessions. Within these three summer sessions you can be registered for Workplace Readiness (WR), Post-Secondary Readiness Program (PSRP), Introduction to Workplace Readiness (Intro to WR), Practice Adulting Program, or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program. All programs will take place at the BSBPTC where students will reside in single occupancy dorm rooms.
Summer Session 1
- Workplace Readiness: June 9-28
- Post-Secondary Readiness Program 1: June 16-28
Summer Session 2
- Workplace Readiness: July 7-26 with an integrated 1-week financial literacy component
- Post-Secondary Readiness Program 2: July 7-19
- Practice Adulting Program: July 7-13
- Intro to Work Readiness: July 21-25
- STEM: July 21-26
Summer Session 3
- Work Readiness June 28-August 11
- Introduction to Culinary Careers August 9-11
Interested in attending? Contact your BSBP counselor to be referred! Questions? Call the BSBP Training Center at 269-337-3848.
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May 25, 1 p.m.
Join Vanward Consulting Services for a Virtual Career Symposium where high school students can explore diverse career paths from the comfort of their own homes. Engage with professionals across various industries through interactive panels and networking opportunities. Discover your passions, gain valuable insights, and kickstart your journey towards a fulfilling career.
There will also be an insightful discussion on work incentives while working with Social Security disability that can help you with getting ahead financially. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to envision your future!
Deadline to register: May 18, 2024.
If interested in participating, please contact your BSBP Counselor.
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Wed. June 12 – Sun. June 16, 2024
The ASPPIRE No Barriers Summer Experience offers a five-day program filled with discussions, activities, challenges and fun, all aimed at fostering self-advocacy skills and personal development. ASPPIRE ensures a supportive environment with a staff ratio of one to four, supplemented by trained Eagle Village staff to facilitate camp activities.
This opportunity is ideal for clients aged 16 to 21 who are willing to engage in discussions, step out of their comfort zones, and are able to take care of their basic needs with minimal support.
Interested in attending? Contact your BSBP counselor to be referred – the deadline for registration has been extended to May 10!
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June 18 – August 20, 2024 (Virtual Session)
Leadership Summit: October 2024 (Date TBD)
Take the lead self-advocacy and leadership training program, facilitated by Eurisko Vocational Services, LLC, equips students with blindness and low vision with the skills necessary to advocate for themselves. The program also focuses on helping students develop skills necessary to be emerging leaders in their school, place of work and community.
The program focuses on four core areas (modules) of competency including:
- Self-awareness
- Self-determination
- Communication
- Leadership Summit
If interested in participating, please go to https://bit.ly/BSBP-TTL24.
Deadline: June 4, 2024
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June 24-August 14, 2024
This program is designed for high school juniors, seniors and recent graduates who have completed PSRP and are looking for a real-life college experience before becoming a full-time student. Students will have an opportunity to:
- Take and receive credit for an in-person WMU class
- Gain college readiness skills needed for the transition to college
- Experience campus and dorm life as a student
- Enjoy a college social life including café experiences and student center access
- Work a part-time on campus job and earn a bi-weekly paycheck
This program is designed to provide BSBP customers with the training and skills needed to become successful full-time college students. Must have completed the Post-Secondary Readiness Program to apply.
Deadline: May 30, 2024.
View a PDF of the flyer here.
Interested in participating in College Prep? Contact your BSBP Counselor.
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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 feature your counselor in one of our upcoming monthly newsletters! Complete your quick and easy nomination at https://forms.gle/i2EkPg72Z6927xEd8.
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Not a student currently working with BSBP and want to get in on the action?
BSBP has offices across the state and can meet you in the comfort of your own home and/or school. Contact our BSBP mainline at 1-800-292-4200 to get started or visit this link for office locations.
Questions for the Pre-ETS Team? Reach out to shackleym@michigan.gov.
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