Programs
According to Workforce Connections, workforce development is “now considered to be more than a single program or initiative. It is an interconnected set of solutions to meet employment needs: It prepares workers with needed skills, emphasizes the value of workplace learning and addresses the hiring demands of employers from the outset. The goal is to place workers in jobs where there are career development opportunities.
Bender Work-Readiness Program
Goal: Prepare students with disabilities for the world of work through a series of activities and employer-based experiences.
Delivery
Skills Developed
- Employer Expectations
- Interview Skills
- Self-Awareness
- Career Exploration
- Dress for Success
- Teamwork
- Health & Wellness
Outcome
- Improved Interview Skills
- Final Performance Recommendations
- Increased Self-Awareness and Confidence
- Increased Work-Readiness
- Basic Resume
Disability Mentoring Day
Goal: Promote career development through connections between students with disabilities and employer partners.
Delivery
Skills Developed
- Goal-Setting
- Networking
- Career Development
Bender Student Leaders Program
Goal: Develop public speaking and leadership skills while learning how to represent yourself professionally in the workplace.
Delivery
Skills Developed
- Leadership Concepts
- Self-Advocacy
- Initiative
- Public Speaking
- Collaboration
- Civic Duty
- Accountability
- Customer Service
- Interview Skills
Outcome
- Business Etiquette
- Increased Confidence
- Improved Communication
- Skills Identification
- Resume
Mary Brougher Mental Health Initiative
Goal: Build strategies and skills in mental fitness and learn how to become a mental health advocate.
Delivery
Skills Developed
- Resiliency
- Coping Strategies
- Self-Compassion
- Advocacy
- Conflict Management
- Healthy Mind Habits
International Computer Driving License
Goal: Provide relevant employer-valued credentials in basic computer competency.
Delivery
Skills Developed
- Computer Essentials (hardware/software/network/ communication)
- Online Essentials (web browsing/ communication)
- Word
- Access
- Excel
- Outlook
- PowerPoint
- Work Consistency & Delivery
- Collaboration
Outcome
- Customer Service
- 1-7 Computer Function Certificates
- Taskbar functionality for MS Office programs
- Resume Enhancement
National Retail Federation Customer Service Certification
Goal: Provide relevant employer-valued credentials in customer service.
Delivery
Skills Developed
- Active Listening
- Conflict Resolution
- Customer Satisfaction
- Work Consistency & Delivery
- Collaboration
Outcome
- Customer Service Certification
- 1-7 Computer Function Certificates
- Taskbar functionality for MS Office programs
- Resume Enhancement
DigitalAccess@Work
Goal: Develop essential competencies in the emerging field of digital accessibility, understanding the need to test mobile applications and websites to ensure everyone, including people with disabilities can consume content and interact independently.
Delivery
Skills Developed
- Understanding how people with disabilities use technology
- Digital accessibility basics
- Use of assistive technology tools
- Standard accessibility analysis tools
- Work Consistency & Delivery
- Collaboration
Outcome
- Awareness of assistive technology tools
- Knowledge of digital accessibility concepts (WCAG 2.x)
- Resume Enhancement