education PROGRAMS

School District Transition Services

Individualized program where students work one-on-one with an Employment Specialist for career exploration and to develop resumes, complete mock interviews, and work on job applications. Employment Specialists connect with local employers to make a good job match for both the client and the employer. This program supports both volunteer work and community employment.

Skills For Work

Skills for Work is a fall/spring semester-long program consisting of 2 weeks of classroom activities including Skills to Pay the Bills curriculum, job readiness (mock interviews, resume writing) and 5 job shadows. Students then complete two unique 8-week internships at a community employer. Open to ages 14-24.

Program hosted by:

Take a sneak peek into our program at Kimberly-Clark:

SparkForce Inclusion Manufacturing Camp

SparkForce Inclusion Manufacturing Camp, hosted by VPI is a 4-week long manufacturing camp for individuals with disabilities age 16 and over. During the camp, VPI staff will facilitate interactive activities designed to improve “soft” skills, help individuals gain confidence in their abilities, and explore careers in various manufacturing environments. Participants will also participate in a paid work experience on a variety of VPI production lines to develop the “hard” skills needed for these manufacturing jobs. The program is fully funded by SparkForce, The FMA Foundation so there is no cost to participants. Open to ages 16+.

Watch this inspiring video to see how one camper’s journey toward employment and independence began with VPI’s Inclusion Manufacturing Camp—an experience that helped build skills, confidence, and land him a full-time job.

Workforce Development Classes

A variety of interactive classes designed to build employability skills and help individuals gain skills for community employment. Classes vary between sessions but example topics include communication skills, healthy relationships, health and wellness, professional boundaries, social-emotional skills for work, and soft skills. Most classes are one hour in length. Classes are hosted at VPI’s Spectrum Training and Technology Center at our Kensington Production Facility.

Summer Employment Skills Training

This 4-week program is designed for high school students with limited experience in the world of work. Students will complete 2 weeks of classroom instruction featuring the Skills to Pay the Bills curriculum, job preparation, (resumes, mock interviews, job applications) and job shadows. Students conclude the program with a 2-week internship at a community employer.

Riverside Café at the Neenah-Menasha YMCA

VPI’s Riverside Café at the Neenah-Menasha YMCA provides individuals the opportunity to train for retail and restaurant work in a community setting. This program is a stepping stone for individuals interested in community employment, who would benefit from a structured and supportive setting, while working on increasing strengths, improving skill sets, and decreasing barriers to employment.

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Project SEARCH

Hosted at Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital, Project SEARCH is a national, academic, business-led transition program that prepares high school graduates with disabilities for success in competitive, integrated employment. Project SEARCH features classroom instruction hands-on training through three 10-week internships in different areas of the hospital. Open to Appleton Area School District students.

Skills to Pay the Bills

VPI staff facilitate an interactive curriculum focused on teaching soft skills in six modules: communication, enthusiasm and attitude, teamwork, networking, problem solving and critical thinking, and professionalism. Offered individually or in a group setting.

Explore Work

Interactive curriculum designed to help individuals learn more about work and the opportunities available in five modules: career planning and job exploration, your first work experience, school beyond high school, workplace readiness, and self-advocacy.

Contracted Funding Partners

Supported in part by United Way Fox Cities 

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Interested in learning more about our packaging solutions or one of our community programs? Contact us today to learn more!

Valley Packaging Industries, Inc., DBA VPI, Inc. is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Our tax identification number is 39-0921632.
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