VCU RRTC

Whitney Ham shares a Year 2 update on Learn to Earn, a research study examining how paid employment during high school influences competitive integrated employment and community engagement in adulthood. She provides an overview of the study design, key findings to date, and the two intervention groups: elevated transition supports and employment-focused supports.

The webcast highlights the roles of school divisions, transition educators, vocational rehabilitation, families, and study staff, as well as two key intervention supports: employment planning meetings and monthly parent sessions that help youth and families prepare for successful school-to-work transitions.

This presentation is valuable for transition professionals, educators, researchers, families, and others interested in disability employment and evidence-based supports for youth with disabilities. It also shares early Year 2 lessons on employer engagement, practical tools, and strategies to support real job opportunities.