Student Services
Helping students transition from high school into employment.
Transition Services for Youth
Families of students with disabilities often face an overwhelming transition from high school to adulthood. Columbia Ability Alliance’s Student Employment Services provides free support (when referred by partners like DVR, DDA, FCS, or school districts) to guide students and parents through this process. Our programs help students build job skills, explore career interests, and set clear goals for life after high school. Research shows that a systematic transition plan greatly improves post-school outcomes.
We work hand-in-hand with Tri-Cities area schools, DVR counselors, DDA case managers and other community partners to ensure each student’s plan is tailored to their strengths and aspirations.
Our Student Employment Programs
- School to Work: In partnership with local high schools, this program (for students aged 19–22) embeds work experience into the school year. Students get to explore careers and gain real-world job skills in fields they’re interested in. We coordinate closely with school IEP teams so that each student’s School-to-Work placement aligns with their graduation plan. In WA, students’ IEPs must include a transition plan by age, and School-to-Work helps turn that plan into hands-on experience.
- Job Foundations: For DDA-eligible students (ages 19–20) still in school, this five-visit program provides career assessment and coaching. An employment specialist observes each student’s social, communication, self-advocacy, and task-management skills during real-life work trials. These observations set the foundation for an individualized transition plan. This helps determine whether the student will benefit most from supported employment, extended school, or other pathways.
Counties Currently Serving
Download Our Transition Timeline
Planning early is key. We created a Transition Timeline PDF that outlines age-by-age milestones and tasks. It covers everything from middle school planning through post-high school services. Download our PDF and keep it handy as a checklist. If you have questions or need help at any point, our team is here for support.
Columbia Ability Alliance: Employment Services is proud to be accredited by CARF, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.
To learn more about our scope of services, client rights, and grievance policy, please view a copy of our Columbia Ability Alliance: Employment Services handbook here.
Take the Next Step
Ready to pave the way to success after school? Contact us today to learn more about our Student Services.
At Columbia Ability Alliance, we’re here to empower youth and shape bright futures.