PAUSD highlights long-running VA hospital vocational training for students with IEPs

Palo Alto Unified showcased a long-standing vocational partnership with the Palo Alto VA hospital at the Oct. 14 board meeting, describing hands-on student placements across clinical and support departments and measurable student benefits.

Rich Fuji, district transition-services supervisor, said the Ignite Transition Services include three main programs and that the VA vocational training program places students (IEP required; typically age 16+) in departments ranging from sterile processing and patient transportation to research, IT and hospitality. Fuji said the program serves students across the district’s high schools and post‑secondary groups and currently enrolls 43 students, with job coaches, parent tours and partner districts contributing to costs via a Department of Rehabilitation workability grant.

The VA education specialist described the program’s ‘learn by doing’ model: on-site vocational assignments, soft‑skills instruction, employment-portfolio development and rotations through multiple departments. Students receive elective credit and a $12 meal voucher when volunteering, staff said.

Two students, Annayia Maxi and K de, described how VA placements improved confidence, workplace skills and career clarity. “Working at the VA has been both comforting and motivating for me,” Annayia told the board. Trustees praised the program and several requested tours; a public commenter pressed the district to track whether training leads to paid community employment as an outcome measure.

No formal board action was taken; trustees directed staff to continue supporting partnerships and invited follow-up information about post-training employment outcomes.