CHS Partners with MU to Offer Pre-Employment Transition Services
In partnership with the University of Missouri and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Cassville High School is now offering Pre-Employment Transition Services (PETS) to freshmen and sophomore students who are not yet eligible for similar services through Vocational Rehabilitation.
PETS is supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and places an emphasis on providing training to students ages 16-21 with disabilities to ensure they receive the skills and training necessary to reach their education and career goals.
“I first learned of the MU PETS program at a workshop this fall. The PETS program is designed to help our students with the transition from high school to work or college,” said Bob Deffenbaugh, CHS Transition Coordinator.
PETS focuses on providing hands-on support in five instructional areas: job explorations, work based learning, counseling for post-secondary education, workplace readiness and instruction in self-advocacy, including peer mentoring.
“Our students involved in the PETS program will complete job shadowing, mock interviews and counseling that will benefit them when they leave CHS,” said Jeff Swadley, CHS principal. “We are excited to offer this valuable resource to our students and we hope they will take full advantage of this learning opportunity.”
University of Missouri PETS Specialist, Amanda Jackson, visits the district every three weeks and spends time speaking with students, as a group and individually, about their future plans and goals.
“It has been great getting to know the students and faculty at CHS. I would like to say thank you to Mr. Deffenbaugh for getting Pre-Employment Services started at CHS as well as to the office staff for always being so helpful!” said Jackson.