Upcoming Transition Related Events
This page is updated regularly. Check back often for new opportunities!
MCPS Career Readiness Program Applications — Round 1 Open
Deadline: Friday, November 6, 2026
MCPS is accepting applications for part-time Career Readiness programs for the 2026–2027 school year. Open to students in grades 9, 10, and 11. This is the county-wide application — Edison’s CTE programs are part of this consortia, along with internships and other specialty programs across MCPS.
Apply using the grade-level links below (MCPS Google Account required):
Families of students with disabilities are invited to participate in the Transition Times & Tips webinar series presented by Potomac Community Resources (PCR) and the MCPS Transition Services Unit. These free sessions are designed to help families navigate the transition from school to adulthood and provide information on adult services, employment, college options, housing, guardianship, financial planning, DORS, Social Security, and more.
Coordinators of Community Services (CCS)
📅 September 23, 2026 | 6:30 PM (Virtual)
Learn about the role of your CCS and the DDA eligibility and service process.
Adult Services Night
📅 October 21, 2026 | 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
📍 Richard Montgomery High School Cafeteria
No registration required. Families can learn about the transition-to-adulthood process and connect directly with DDA provider agencies.
Bridges from School to Work
📅 November 18, 2026 | 6:30 PM (Virtual)
Learn how Bridges can support students in identifying employment opportunities.
College Resource Night
📅 December 3, 2026 | 6:30 PM (Virtual)
Learn about Montgomery College's Graduate Transition and Challenge Programs, Disability Support Services, Universities at Shady Grove programs, and the University of Maryland's TerpsEXCEED Program.
Additional sessions later in the year will cover:
Housing
Guardianship & Supported Decision Making
Financial Planning (ABLE Accounts & Special Needs Trusts)
Self-Directed Services
DORS & Social Security
Social & Community Engagement Opportunities
🔗 Registration Links and Full Schedule: See the MCPS/PCR Transition Times & Tips flyer.
🌎 Language Support Available: ASL and Spanish are included. Families needing other languages should contact their student's Transition Support Teacher.
📞 Questions? MCPS Transition Services Unit: 240-740-5900
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☕ DDA Coffee Support Sessions 2026-2027
Navigating the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) application process can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone. The MCPS Transition Services Unit is hosting a series of DDA Coffee Support Sessions where families can receive personalized, one-on-one assistance completing the DDA application. These sessions are a great opportunity to ask questions, learn about eligibility requirements, and receive guidance on next steps. The application typically takes 30-45 minutes to complete.
Upcoming Sessions (7:00 AM-10:00 AM):
Albert Einstein High School — October 23, 2026
John F. Kennedy High School — December 11, 2026
Paint Branch High School — January 8, 2027
Rockville High School — February 5, 2027
Gaithersburg High School — April 16, 2027
Seneca Valley High School — May 7, 2027
Amharic and Spanish interpreters will be available on-site, and interpretation in other languages can be requested during registration.
Questions? Contact Marc Lawrence at Marc_Lawrence@mcpsmd.org or 240-740-0400
See the DDA Coffee Support Sessions flyer for registration links and additional details.
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🔨 Institute for the Useful Arts (IUA) Open House
Students interested in carpentry, automotive mechanics, skilled trades, and hands-on learning are invited to attend an upcoming Open House hosted by the Institute for the Useful Arts (IUA). The event provides an opportunity to tour the workshop, meet instructors, learn about the program, and see how students develop practical trade skills through real-world projects.
The IUA offers after-school training focused on craftsmanship, technical skills, and the dignity of work. This may be a particularly good fit for students who enjoy working with their hands, solving problems, building things, or exploring career pathways in the trades.
📅 Open House: Monday, September 21, 2026
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 Location: 2385 Lewis Avenue, Rockville, MD 20851
👥 Who Should Attend: Students in Grades 10-12 and their families
🍽️ Students who apply by September 19 may also have the opportunity to attend the Founding Class Dinner immediately following the Open House.
🔗 Learn More & RSVP:
https://institutefortheusefularts.org/open-house/
See the flyer for additional details
📞 Questions? 301-244-8304
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Students interested in construction, engineering, architecture, project management, and the skilled trades are encouraged to attend Crafting Futures, a hands-on career exploration event hosted by Clark Construction.
This event provides students and families with an opportunity to learn about careers in the construction industry, meet industry professionals, and gain insight into apprenticeship, training, and career pathways available after high school.
📅 Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
📍 Location: WMATA Northern Bus Garage
1349 Buchanan Street NW
Washington, DC 20011
⚠️ Registration Deadline: October 14, 2026
⚠️ Registration is capped at 100 participants
🔗 Register Here
📋 Visitor Release & Indemnification Form
This opportunity may be especially beneficial for students interested in construction management, engineering, architecture, electrical work, carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, project management, and other skilled trades careers.
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💼 Girls With Impact: Free Business & Leadership Academy for Young Women
MCPS has partnered with Girls With Impact to offer a FREE 10-week virtual business and leadership program for students in Grades 9-12.
Participants will work with business mentors and instructors to develop a business idea, build leadership skills, expand their professional network, and gain experience in entrepreneurship. The curriculum was developed with input from Harvard leaders and is designed to help young women grow their confidence as future leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
📅 Program Begins: Week of September 28, 2026
💻 Format: Live Online Classes
🎯 Who Can Participate: MCPS young women in Grades 9-12
💲 Cost: Free
Class Options
Students may choose one of the following schedules:
Tuesdays at 7:00 PM
Wednesdays at 4:30 PM
Thursdays at 8:00 PM
Students interested in business, entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, innovation, or developing workplace skills are encouraged to explore this opportunity.
🔗 Learn More & Enroll: https://www.girlswithimpact.org/mcps-gwi-registration
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