education Services
Early Intervention Program / Birth to 3
The Early Intervention Program of Winnebago and Outagamie counties, administered by VPI, is a program that provides comprehensive support to children under the age of three who have developmental delays or disabilities, and their families. Support is provided in the child’s home, childcare center or out in the community, wherever they normally spend their time. The focus is on supporting parents and caregivers and giving them the tools they need to help their children develop and learn. Services are provided using a team approach and include speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, special instruction, and service coordination.
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.
NBT Inclusion Manufacturing Camp
NBT Inclusion Manufacturing Camp, hosted by VPI, presented by Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) and Nestle USA, 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 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 MEAF and Nestle USA, so there is no cost to participants. Open to ages 16+.
Neenah Joint 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. Open to Neenah Joint School District students.
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.
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.
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. Scholarships available.
Skills to Pay the Bills
VPI staff facilitate a 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.
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.
Thrive Career Academy
This 12-week program, hosted by UW-Oshkosh Fox Cities, teaches work-related soft skills such as self-determination, meeting employer expectations, positive attitude, doing your job well, getting along with others, managing yourself, and being a professional. Students also participate in the Strong Bodies program, which aims to improve physical stamina, balance, and flexibility. Classroom instruction is followed by two 6-week internships at community employers. Open to any age.
Thrive Continued
A free, follow-up class offered to Thrive Career Academy graduates hosted by UW-Oshkosh Fox Cities. The course refreshes the material taught in Thrive Career Academy and works with graduates to problem solve situations they encounter in their community employment.
Supported in part by the United Way Fox Cities
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