Work Foundations+ School

The CSIU Work Foundations+ Program is designed to support high school students with diverse learning needs by providing instruction in essential life skills and pre-employment training. This comprehensive program focuses on developing independence, social competence, and workplace readiness to help students transition successfully from school to adult life. The Work Foundations program emphasizes functional academics, daily living skills, and hands-on learning opportunities, ensuring that students gain the knowledge and confidence necessary to lead meaningful, self-directed lives and pursue employment or post-secondary training upon graduation.

2023 Work Foundations+ Graduate Testimonials

• Career readiness
  Students build soft skills, self-advocacy, and workplace etiquette to increase employability upon graduation.
• Structured training experience, aligned with Pennsylvania’s Career Readiness Indicators:
  • Career Awareness & Preparation: Workplace grooming, dress codes, behavior expectations
  • Career Acquisition: On-the-job experience and coaching in community settings
  • Career Retention & Advancement: Extended placements to help students learn scheduling and workplace routines
  • Entrepreneurship: One-to-one business‑planning support for interested students
• Independent living skills instruction, including personal care, housekeeping, food prep, community navigation, money management, and financial responsibility.
• Individualized transition planning: Each student engages in a personalized sequence of community-based, school-supported work and career readiness experiences.
• Supports self-determination: Students gain confidence advocating for themselves, securing placements, and developing real-life job and home competencies.
• Aligned with state standards: Programming is designed around the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Career Readiness Indicators to ensure quality and efficacy.