CareerReady! is a one-semester certificate program for college students with disabilities, many of whom are the first in their family to attend college. Partnering with the City University of New York (CUNY) Accessibility Services offices and CUNY LEADS (Linking Employment, Academics, and Disability Services), IMPACTability developed CareerReady! for college students with disabilities at 8 CUNY college campuses. 

PROGRAM COMPONENTS INCLUDE:

• Career Readiness Courses

CareerReady! is a one-semester certificate program for college students with disabilities, many of whom are the first in their family to attend college. Students receive 10 weeks of online courses to enhance their ability to find meaningful employment in their chosen careers. Topics covered by expert instructors include skills assessment, goal setting, resume preparation, crafting an elevator pitch, disability disclosure and self-advocacy, projecting a professional image, using LinkedIn strategically, and mock interview practice with corporate volunteers. Popular sessions on navigating www.USAJobs.gov and accessing federal programs for individuals with disabilities, such as the Workforce Recruitment Program www.wrp.gov and Schedule A round out our intergenerational program.

• One-to-One Mentorship 

Each student is matched one-to-one with a Mentor for one semester, resulting in up to 12 hours of mentoring. Mentors are provided with CareerReady! curriculum materials to use as mentoring session guides. Students are coached on skills enhancement and navigating job searches. The Office of Disability Employment Policy cites numerous benefits of mentoring, including enhanced self-confidence, first-hand exposure to the workplace, and the decreased likelihood of dropping out of school.

• Success Factors

Results from weekly student evaluations have shown a 95% satisfaction rate. IMPACTability applies rigorous metrics to measure program success including pre and post program surveys and minimum attendance requirements. Mentor training, roundtable discussions, retention, mentoring hours, and annual program assessments are methodically documented.
Learn More About Becoming A Mentor

​CareerReady! Scholarship 
​IMPACTability's CareerReady! intergenerational online career readiness and structured mentoring program empowers college students with disabilities to confidently communicate skills, refine their resumes, project a professional image, gain interview experience, and attain jobs and internships. The program combines innovative online learning using a Learning Management System (LMS), mentoring opportunities, and scholarship support to ensure a comprehensive student experience. CareerReady! Scholarships are awarded to top applicants from participating campus, who are enrolled in the City University of New York (CUNY) Office of Accessibility Services or CUNY LEADS (Linking Employment, Academics, and Disability Services)  and meet established requirements.
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