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High School Transition Program

Understanding that students with disabilities may require additional career exploration and employment preparation, Hudson Community Enterprises provides students with the skills, information and tools needed for their introduction to the work environment.


Through HCE’s High School Transition Program, we work closely with students to emphasize appropriate behavior and work habits, basic work skills, functional workplace literacy and job retention abilities. The students partake in vocational exploration experiences hosted by community businesses. Through this training, our main goal is the development of transferrable skills for our students.

Transferable skills are the skills gathered through life experiences that can be used in the workplace, and are vitally important to young people seeking their first jobs. Examples of transferrable skills the student will develop through our program include:

Effective
Communication

Teamwork & Motivation

Handling Challenges, Complaints & Crises

(problem solving skills)

Multi-tasking

Time Management

Flexibility & Punctuality

Creativity

Willingness to Learn

Attention to Detail

(including proper attire)

Organization

As part of their vocational instruction, students will be bussed to a local worksite, where they will undertake basic work tasks while supervised by HCE coaches. This immersion within a worksite is a vital step in the students’ adjustment to functioning in a real work environment.

We strive to help our students develop a positive attitude toward employment while instilling a familiarity with basic workplace expectations, and we urge you to contact us for more information on how our program helps to create successful pathways to employment.

Project SEARCH

Hudson Community Enterprises provides students with disabilities the opportunity to explore careers while developing transferable job skills through Project SEARCH. This unique program provides a one-year, business-led, unpaid internship opportunity for eligible students during their final year of high school. The program, which is conducted entirely at a host business site, combines instruction with immersion in the workplace, and prepares young adults with disabilities to make successful transitions from school to productive adult life in the workforce.
We encourage school districts in the area to explore this opportunity to provide students with disabilities and a desire to work a pathway to success.

Student Eligibility criteria:

  • 18-21 years of age
  • Entering final year of high school
  • Diagnosed with a Developmental Disability, including the Autism Spectrum
  • Agree to accept diploma at successful completion of program
  • Ability to access and willingness to use independent transportation options
  • Desire to work
Project SEARCH is proud to partner with members of the Jersey City business community — Double Tree Hotel and Jersey City Medical Center – to offer internships at nearly every entry level position, including:

OT / PT / Speech Therapy

Materials Management

Emergency Department

Environmental Services

Laboratory

Mailroom

Dietary

Patient Transport

Linens

School districts or parents of students with disabilities seeking more information, please contact Yolanda Fuller, MA, CRC, VP of Community Based Employment at yfuller@hce.works,
201-434-3303 ext. 123, 201-994-5241 (cell)