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  Issue # 16 | July 2024
Pre-ETS Corner: Counseling on postsecondary education opportunities
As July approaches, it's time to talk about something that could come after high school ... Postsecondary education! Whether you're looking at attending a university, community college, technical school or vocational training program, BSBP is here to help you prepare for a successful transition to postsecondary education and achieving your vocational goals.
What's Postsecondary Education Counseling?
Postsecondary Education Counseling is a service offered by BSBP to provide students and their families with guidance on various educational paths available and the steps needed to pursue them. Your Rehabilitation Counselor can help you access the resources needed to thrive academically in a college environment.
What Can You Expect?
- Support accessing resources for academic excellence.
- Assistance exploring postsecondary training opportunities.
- Insights into postsecondary accommodations for students with disabilities.
- Help with college/training applications and FAFSA completion.
What are some BSBP Programs that incorporate Post Secondary Counseling?
- College Prep
- Post Secondary Readiness Program
Want to Know More? Check out the BSBP Transition/Pre-ETS Services and Programs webpage and the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition's Counseling on Postsecondary Education Opportunities webpage.
Don't forget to check out the BSBP Pre-ETS/Transition Services page and see what new and exciting programs are planned. Explore, sign up and connect with your counselor today regarding any questions.
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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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This June, BSBP had the privilege of hosting a comprehensive two-night, three-day career exploration program at Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City, where 22 pre-ETS students and their families received training in career exploration, self-advocacy and workplace readiness within the hospitality industry.
During the program, students had the opportunity to job shadow resort staff across multiple departments, including culinary, housekeeping, waterpark, front desk, and retail. By touring the facility and hearing from some Great Wolf Lodge staff, students discovered how to break into a career. Students also completed mock job interviews and reviewed Labor Market Information for various professions. Students who had attended in the past were able to get a deeper look into specific departments and learned how to explore and request necessary accommodations within the workplace.
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Another key component of the program was family engagement. Family members attended hands-on and informational sessions covering topics such as work for their children, support skills training, accessing resources, and managing earnings and savings in relation to Social Security benefits. They had an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of their child’s experience by wearing blindfolds and attempting to use a white cane to navigate and make sandwiches, simulating the challenges faced by individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
On the last day, program lead Tim Vallier interviewed students and families about their experience during the weekend. While students expressed that they had gained valuable insights and skills that will aid them in their career journeys, families reported a deeper awareness of their children's disabilities and an appreciation for the potential career paths available to them. The success of the program was evident, and BSBP looks forward to continuing career support for pre-ETS students!
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July 28-August 11
BSBP Training Center – Kalamazoo
Workplace Readiness Training is a customized training to target areas that have been identified as needing improvement for success in a postsecondary environment or employment. Training can include computers, assistive technology, self-advocacy instruction, career exploration, braille, adaptive living techniques, orientation and mobility, finance education, and leisure activities. Participants may register to attend a combination of programs while onsite at the BSBP Training Center.
Contact your BSBP counselor for a referral. Questions? Contact LEO-BSBPTrainingCenter@michigan.gov.
Registration deadline: July 5, 2024
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August 9-11
BSBP Training Center – Kalamazoo
Explore postsecondary opportunities by experiencing Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s (KVCC) Healthy Living Campus & Culinary program while attending Workplace Readiness Training at the BSBP Training Center!
Participants will hear from current and former KVCC students and instructors and learn about the program requirements. KVCC instructors will lead participants in a culinary lesson as they create their lunch for the day. Participants will also tour the greenhouse and learn about sustainability, creating an herb garden and seeing different techniques used in horticulture.
Contact your BSBP counselor for a referral. Please note that a completed medical form or physical is required. Questions? Contact LEO-BSBPTrainingCenter@michigan.gov.
Registration deadline: July 12, 2024
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July 29-July 31, 2024
Camp Tuhsmeheta – Greenville
New to staying away from home? First Stay Away might be for you! You will have a chance to boost your confidence, meet new people and have fun!
Students will:
- Participate in teambuilding activities!
- Learn adaptive kitchen skills!
- Learn basic self-advocacy skills!
- Learn first aid and safety skills!
Register at https://bit.ly/BSBP-FSA24. Please also contact your Rehabilitation Counselor to discuss your interest in this program. In most cases, you will need to complete an IPE Amendment and the necessary Release of Information form(s).
Questions? Contact Maria Peak at mpeak@asspire.org.
Registration deadline: July 15, 2024
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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 LEO-BSBPTransition@michigan.gov.
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