VOCATIONAL SKILLS

Vocational Skills is a collaborative program presented at both the HCISD’s

Hillsdale Area Career Center and Jackson College’s LeTarte Center. During
this year-long class, students focus on developing the soft skills, behaviors,
and attitudes needed to obtain and maintain employment. Curriculum covers a
variety of career paths, disability awareness and pride, and adult independent
living. Students are afforded the opportunity to participate in a variety of
HACC programs, meet with Jackson College student success workers,
observe college classes, and participate in on-campus activities at both
schools. Throughout the year, students also attend field trips around Hillsdale
County to speak with local employers about their businesses and job
opportunities in those fields.

The Vocational Skills program and Youth Services Coordinator were

Winners of the 2016-2017 HCISD Hillsdale County PAC Excellence in
Special Education award and have been featured at Incompass’ Re:Con,
The Council for Exceptional Children, and Michigan Transition Service
Association’s conferences.

JET

Job Experience Training (JET) is a semester long program taking place during
the student’s school day at Hillsdale Market House. Working alongside a full
time job coach and experienced Market House staff, students are able to learn
both soft and hard skills in a supportive environment, taking part in a variety of
positions around the store.

COMMUNITY WORK EXPERIENCE

Students who have a career path in mind are encouraged to explore those
interests through our Community Work Experience or CWE program. CWE is
a more independent program in which students are placed in a paid position
at a business that relates to their future goals in order to see what work in
their chosen field entails. Job coaches are available to students throughout
their hands-on learning experience and provide regular check ins with both
students and their hosts.

Community Work Experiences can be held during the school day, after
school, on weekends, or during the summer depending on what best suits the
student’s availability.

PROJECT DISCOVERY

Redesigned for the 2021-2022 school year, Project Discovery allows students
to learn about their personal strengths and vocational interests as well as
experience a variety of career options. Hands-on activities in the classroom
setting allow students to practice tasks that will be asked of them in the future,
spanning several high demand career fields. Once skills are mastered,
students will put those skills into action, interning at local businesses.

SENIOR JUMPSTART

Open to all Hillsdale County Students, with preference given to those in

financial need, Senior Jumpstart is a three day paid program held in the
spring. It is designed to give senior students the chance to brush up on any
last minute employability skills as well as apply for jobs in our community in
real time; providing support and guidance as well as creating a clear plan for
life immediately after graduation.