Journal Article Details

Citation:
Grossi, T.; Thomas, F.; & Held, M. (2019). Making a collective impact: A School-to-Work Collaborative model. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 51 (3), 395-407.
Title:
Making a collective impact: A School-to-Work Collaborative model
Authors:
Grossi, T.; Thomas, F.; & Held, M.
Year:
2019
Journal/Publication: 
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
Publisher:
IOS Press
DOI:
Full text:
Peer-reviewed?
Yes
NIDILRR-funded? 
Yes

Structured abstract:

Background:
A seamless system of transition requires linkages and collaboration between schools and adult service agencies. A shared vision for change is needed including a common understanding of the issues and a joint approach to developing solutions.
Purpose:
The Indiana School-to-Work Collaborative developed a multi-component intervention package as a collective impact approach. The School-to-Work Collaborative interagency transition model was designed by using authentic stakeholder engagement throughout the process.
Data collection & analysis:
This study compares the effects of a school-to-work collaborative transition model to improve employment outcomes and agency connections for transition-age youth with disabilities where a community provider employment specialist (e.g., Career Coach) was embedded in the schools.
Findings:
Embedding a Career Coach from an adult employment provider in schools resulted in more work-based learning experiences, better employment outcomes, and more connections to adult service providers compared to schools without a Career Coach. Implementing policy changes from the federal and state levels without preparation time had an impact at the local level that ultimately impacted students and families.
Conclusions:
Strong, effective interagency collaboration can result in a collective impact. Bringing together key stakeholders to design, monitor, and evaluate the model, as well as intended and unintended consequences, can result in policy and procedural changes.
Populations served:
Transition-age students (14 - 22)
Interventions:
Vocational rehabilitation