College Resources for Preparation & Planning

• 1. • College Planning Guide: News, Features, Finding the Right College

     • BCSS Cape Center's list of College Resources

     • Autism College Connection: Website with newsletter and events

     • SPAN NJ Presentation on Inclusive Higher Education Options

     • TransitionsCollegeAdvising.com: Consultation Services and Resources

(908) 827-2167  jvonarburg@transitionscollegeadvising.com

schedule a free 1-hour consultation 

• College Transitions: Consulting, Preparation, Selecting a College, Services & Accommodations

Career Interest & College Exploration Tools: 

• CareerOneStop: Career Interest self assessments and career exploration database

• MyMajors: Tools for Finding the Right College, Selecting a Major, and Career Research

  • • College and Career Education Database: connects you to Colleges, Universities and Career Schools. Refine your search by searching for your Major, State, and Institution Type. Use the Request Info button to learn more about the program or click on the school to research more. 

    • Student Survey for Areas of Study: Create a profile and complete the survey to find majors that match your academic performance, aptitude, career ideas, unique interests and preferences. 

    • MyMajors Career Exploration Tool: Learn about career clusters, specific career fields and find related schools and training programs colleges

    • Landmark College Readiness Assessment

Employment Services in NJ 

DVRS (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services) provides services for students and adults. Their mission is to enable individuals with disabilities to obtain employment consistent with their strengths, preferences, and abilities.

DVRS website: Services Provided

Pre-Employment Transitions Services: These services are available for students 14-21 who are determined eligible. These services include the following: 

• Job exploration counseling

• Work-based learning experiences that may include in-school or after-school opportunities or experience outside the traditional school setting (including internships) 

• Counseling about opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary educational programs at institutions of higher education

• Workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living skills

• Instruction in self-advocacy and peer mentoring 

DVRS Paid Internship Program

• DVRS is currently offering paid internships, partnering with businesses and employment agencies. To qualify, students must have their own transportation and the ability to work without a job coach. The pay is 18$/hr, 10 hours per week (150 hours total). Please contact me if interested.

Vocational Training

Employment Training Programs vary in the career areas offered, the admissions process, age requirements, level of support, credentials earned, and job placement services. 

NJ Career Training Explorer and Career Navigator: Search by distance, area of interest, accommodations, cost, online vs in person. Provides details on specific training programs

Bergen Community College Options

• Continuing Education and Workforce Development 

• Apprenticeship Opportunities

• BCC Courses and Programs - For hands-on learning 

• Bergen Career Pathway Courses: open enrollment and available through The Division of Continuing Education. Courses are also eligible for dual-enrollment or as shared time programs for interested school districts. Modifications to course timelines can be explored to better fit a district’s schedule. Check website for course options. Contact https://ce.bergen.edu/

Trade Schools & Career Training

Guide to Trade Schools for individuals with I/DD: Use their database to search by state and area of interest to find and explore schools that may be a good fit

• Bergen County Technical Schools: Admission Information & campus programs

• Bergen County: Career Crossroads: Shared Time Training in Sales and Customer Service, or Hospitality and Food Service. 

• Eastwick Career Education

• Lincoln Tech "Walk In Wednesdays" - Every Wednesday 9am to 6pm @ Paramus Campus

• Rockland BOCES: Shared Program & Adult Education

Search for Training Programs Online

• Find My Trade School: Trade School Search - Select area of interest

• TopTrade: Trade Schools and Online Programs

• Beauty School & Related Options Trade School Guide for Students with I/DD: 

• NJ.Gov Training Explorer: Search by trade or occupation

• NJ.Gov Adult Postsecondary Vocational CTE Programs (HS Diploma/equivalency)