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Board Hears Career and Transition Services Presentation Highlighting Work-Based Learning and College Pathways
Summary
Staff described Fairfax County Public Schools Career and Transition Services programs supporting students with IEPs through work-based learning, college-readiness partnerships and employment supports; staff highlighted partnerships with USGS, CVS and Northern Virginia Community College.
At the March 13 meeting the School Board received a presentation on Career and Transition Services (CTS), which provides workplace and post-secondary transition supports for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Staff explained CTS services including Employment and Transition Representatives in every high school and programs for students ages 18-22 who receive supported employment. Work-based learning partners cited in the presentation include the U.S. Geological Survey (data and GIS work), CVS (retail and health-wellness internships), Frying Pan Farm Park (agriculture and animal science experiences) and small businesses like Weird Brothers Coffee. School-based enterprises, such as a T-shirt press at the Poly Career Center and student-run school stores, were cited as training venues for customer service, financial literacy and supply-chain skills.
Post-secondary planning services begin as early as age 14 and include transition planning integrated into IEPs, partnerships with Northern Virginia Community College for orientation and dual-enrollment supports, and events like NOVA Vision. Board members asked how much CTS programming relies on federal funding and requested data on student participation; staff said they would provide enrollment counts and funding breakdown in an upcoming Friday letter.
Why it matters: Work-based learning and focused transition services are key to post-secondary employment and independent-living outcomes for students with disabilities. The presentation underscored local business partnerships and college pathways that staff say increase employment outcomes for participants.
Next steps: Staff will provide additional data on program participation and federal funding shares for CTS programs in follow-up communications.
