JCHS students have job-readiness options available

High school students across the state with an individualized education plan or a 504 plan have the opportunity to receive job-readiness skills before graduation.

Through a partnership with the University of Missouri, 36 program specialists work in various public high schools across the state, including Jefferson City High School.

Under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), schools have the opportunity to take advantage of free pre-employment transition services (pre-ETS) for students with disabilities.

Prior to WIOA, sheltered workshops were one option. However, this program helps students understand there are a variety of options available to them upon graduation.

Since 2015, Meghan Rackers, a pre-ETS specialist, has worked with students ages 16-21 enrolled in Cole County high schools, helping them gain the skills they need to be successful. Under the program's curriculum, Rackers likes to focus on self advocacy and peer mentoring.

"We feel it's important for the students to be involved in the decision making process, so they feel like they are being listened to," Rackers said. "We want all students to reach their maximum potential."

Rackers explained the program targets five focus areas, including job exploration, work-based learning, post-secondary counseling, workplace readiness and self advocacy-peer mentoring.

"We use our creativeness to try and figure out what students really want to do after high school," Rackers said.

She emphasized the traditional college setting may not be right for all students, so she helps them identify potential opportunities in technical schools, branches of the military and workforce options.

"As a specialist, I try to focus on individual schools and individual students," Rackers said. "What works for one school may not work for another school."

During her visits at the schools, Rackers works with students on soft skills, individualized computer work, as well as setting up days for job shadowing.

Rackers further emphasized the best part of her job is being the extra help for the teachers.

"This program is not here because teachers aren't doing their job, but it's because it's not enough time in the day for them to do it all," Rackers said. "The teachers are fabulous."