Career Launchpad

California Career Advice for High School Juniors and Seniors

Career Launchpad offers an empowering platform for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities, facilitating a smooth transition from school to the workforce.

This innovative, free, 90-day program, authorized by the California Department of Rehabilitation, is designed to help students discover their passions, develop essential workplace skills, and explore potential career paths.

Students participating in Career Launchpad benefit from tailored support and resources aimed at overcoming the unique challenges they face.
The program includes job exploration counseling, where students engage in one-on-one sessions to learn about various careers, understand different industry wages, and explore potential career pathways through activities like worksite tours. Moreover, workplace readiness training is provided to equip students with crucial social and interpersonal skills required in any employment setting, including technology literacy, job-seeking skills, and communication enhancement.

One of the standout features of Career Launchpad is the opportunity for paid work experience, offering students a chance to engage in competitive work environments to build foundational employment skills, boost their confidence, and discover job opportunities in various settings.

Career Launchpad also extends its support to educators and case managers, providing resources and activities to help them guide students effectively through their transition from school to work. This includes individualized plans to match students' specific training needs and support in exploring different career options through one-on-one counseling.

The initiative encourages exploration in six promising sectors, including business, hospitality, entertainment, customer service, technology, energy, environmental sciences, health, wellness, agriculture, public service, education, law, building, manufacturing, technical trades, transportation, logistics, and defense. This diverse range of sectors ensures that students can find pathways that align with their interests and skills​​​​​​​​.

For more details on how Career Launchpad can support students with disabilities in their journey from education to employment, visit their official website.