For Students

Bender Leadership Academy has been serving students with disabilities since 2001. We accomplish the mission of competency-based workforce development through a continuum of learning. We are dedicated to supporting successful paths to employment for all people with disabilities.

EDUCATE

General Work Competencies

EMPOWER

Work-focused Competencies

EVOLVE

Work-based Learning

EMPLOY

Competitive Employment

ELEVATE

Career Advancement

Step 1

Get Prepared

Begin to build the foundation for successful transition from school to work.

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Step 2

Get Set

Develop self-confidence and skills that can be applied in the workplace.

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Step 3

Get Certified

Earn employer-valued credentials to build resume competencies.

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Step 4

Get Employed

Apply skills and competencies while engaging in work-based experiences.

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Step 5

Get Involved

Advance leadership competencies while engaging with your community.

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Under the guidance of Mrs. Joyce Bender I’ve learned a great deal about what it means to have a disability, and that having a disability doesn’t necessarily “disable” me. The most important thing I realized as I sat in a room with my peers and we engaged in conversation is that having a disability [is] by no means a bad thing. These kids know what their disability is, they accept it, they embrace it, and most importantly they are NOT ashamed of it.
Joshua McIntyre (during graduation speech)
Our Programs

Bender Leadership Academy has been serving high-school students with disabilities, since 2001. We accomplish the mission of competency-based workforce development and are dedicated to supporting successful paths to employment for all people with disabilities.

Build the needed skills and competencies for career success

Skills

Include employer partnerships to integrate workplace learning

Partnerships

Recognize employer hiring demands

Hiring

Access both available government funding, private foundation & individual giving

Funding
I now have a set of transferable skills that I can use in all aspects of my future endeavors. The experience I’ve gained, and continue to gain through these programs, as well as the network of contacts I’ve acquired through these experiences are a great steppingstone for my future.
Kiah Stenson (DMD speech)

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