Education Associates Announces New WIOA Solutions Package for Pre-ETS Services

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- To prepare more of the nation's students to be job and life ready, U.S. schools, job coaches, vocational rehabilitation counselors and transition coordinators are working hard to comply with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) mandates. Education Associates has released a new WIOA Solutions Package to help them succeed.

WIOA, signed into law in 2014, aims to help job seekers, including those with disabilities, to access employment, education, and training to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with skilled workers. Congress states in WIOA, "The days of students with disabilities leaving school poorly educated, with no employment experience, and no job prospects, must come to an end."

"Under WIOA, students at risk and with special needs represent an untapped wealth of talent for the workplace," says Tim Hagan, President of Education Associates. "With companies like Microsoft, Boeing and Frito-Lay providing inclusive employment opportunities, service providers, educators and those of us who serve them, must be proactive to get these students job ready." 

Having consulted with leading WIOA innovators across the country, Hagan's company has a clear vision to help to address WIOA Pre-ETS so that everyone can proceed on a meaningful and effective path. He says, "Collaboration is the key and describes WIOA as a process:

1. Allow individuals to explore what careers might interest them.
2. Allow individuals to learn and practice real job skills, and,
3. Provide opportunities within the community and the workplace for these job ready individuals."

Education Associates remains on the forefront of research and innovation and its Project Discovery career education curriculum and training are leading the effort. Shelley Mauer, Senior Vice President, R&D, says, "While states may provide services through different agencies, we make sure our solutions work for every provider, so that our customers can confidently implement a compliant, effective Pre-ETS program with inspiring results."

MLK High School, Philadelphia PA, launched a greenhouse using Project Discovery to grow produce for school cooking classes and a local health food co-op in partnership with Home Depot and Lowes. Jill Fink, Executive Director of the Weavers Way co-op says, "This is a powerful demonstration of what schools, non-profits and businesses can achieve to help students learn in innovative, experiential ways."

Lori Dyer, Founder of Believers Academy Charter School in Florida uses Project Discovery to fuse career readiness skills, independent living, and academics for students. She says, "We work closely with businesses to tailor local job opportunities with a record 97% of students gainfully employed."

"Every student, even the most severely impacted, can exit school with a resume," adds Hagan. "Our hands-on career exploration kits are the most comprehensive 'Job Ready, Life Ready' materials for job prep and independent living. Today, more employers are opening their doors for all, including those with special needs, and we want to ensure there is an abundance of potential employees who are trained and ready to fill those opportunities."

Learn about Project Discovery WIOA Solutions www.iloveprojectdiscovery.com 800.626.2950

About Education Associates:

Education Associates is the leading provider of the most comprehensive career education, job preparation and life skills programs available. We equip teachers and trainers to help all students, including those at risk and with special needs, to realize their potential. We believe everyone can become "Job Ready and Life Ready" to live the vibrant, independent lives they deserve.

Media Contact: Valerie Chernek
410-871-2670/[email protected]

SOURCE Education Associates, Inc.