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Transition Readiness Grant Program

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Thirty-seven school districts across Wisconsin will receive funding through the Transition Readiness Grant Program starting this month. Based on Wisconsin’s Let’s Get to Work grant project, the program was created in order to strengthen services for students with disabilities who are transitioning from school to the workforce, or continuing their education. For students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), a defined transition plan is a key indicator in the Wisconsin State Performance Plan – a plan focused on improving the outcomes of children with disabilities.

“This program is an important step in improving and expanding services for our students with disabilities,” said State Superintendent Tony Evers. “It is particularly crucial to ensuring that every student in Wisconsin graduates high school with the necessary skills and supports to succeed in the workforce and in further education.”

In their applications, many districts requested funding for established programs that facilitate connections among students, educators, and local employers. One such program, Project SEARCH, provides a variety of internships for students with developmental disabilities during their last year of high school. Students are immersed in multiple skilled internships throughout the year while receiving support from their school, a vocational agency, and a disability services agency. Students work with mentors to craft and update career plans. Around 75% of participants are employed upon their completion of Project SEARCH.

Districts also requested funding for educators to obtain a certificate in the area of transition services, as well as tuition to colleges and technical schools, and transportation for students who will split their time between school and local business or community-involvement opportunities.

The grant program contains a set of general requirements for all funded districts. These requirements relate to the longer-term development and refinement of integrated, community-based transition processes, such as conducting surveys with former students to gather information about the effectiveness of past transition processes and organizing a community event aimed at growing connections between schools and local businesses.

Transition Readiness Grant Program Districts

CESA 1

Elmbrook School District

Kenosha Unified School District

Milwaukee Public Schools

Racine Unified School District

CESA 7

Chilton School District

Green Bay Area School District

Pulaski Community School District

Two Rivers School District

CESA 2

Clinton Community School District

Madison Metropolitan School District

Watertown Unified School District

CESA 8

School District of Marinette

CESA 3

Platteville School District

Potosi School District

River Ridge School District

CESA 9

D. C. Everest Area School District

Lakeland Area Consortium Schools

Marathon School District

Tomahawk School District

CESA 4

Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau School District

School District of La Crosse

Royall School District

CESA 10

Bloomer School District

School District of Cadott

Osseo-Fairchild School District

CESA 5

Baraboo School District

School District of Marshfield

School District of Waupaca

CESA 11

Ellsworth Community School District

Hudson School District

School District of River Falls

CESA 6

Fond du Lac School District

Oshkosh Area School District

Ripon Area School District

West Bend School District

CESA 12

Hurley School District

Washburn School District