What is JETT

ESC’s JETT program is a digital literacy, job exploration, and work experience program, for youth transitioning out of high school, or other education programs. JETT aims to Remove Barriers to Employment through self-exploration, career exploration, work-based readiness training, mentoring, and paid internships. JETT provides training to develop skills for in-demand industries and paid internships with employment partners to give youth / young adults hands-on experience that will help them attain jobs in the future. 

JETT takes a person-centered approach to career readiness. Each participant experiences self-exploration, by completing personality and career assessments to develop an individualized plan tailored to their abilities, interests, and career goals. 

JETT provides hands-on experience through career-based simulations, that aid in career exploration. and ensure participants are informed of their career choices that they will receive training in. 

All participants receive training in basic digital literacy skills and office equipment to ensure they have a strong foundation for a variety of contemporary careers. 

Tailored to their individual goals and plans, participants complete workplace readiness and skill training. 

JETT then places students in paid internships in industries that align with their interests, JETT staff providing ongoing support to participants through on-site job coaching / training.

JETT partners with schools and the Colorado Department of Vocational Rehabilitation to connect with youth in need of its services. Current school partners are Jefferson County Schools (Wheat Ridge High School, Arvada West High School, Chatfield High School, Bear Creek High School, and Dakota Ridge High School) Cherry Creek Transition Program, and Douglass County Transitions. 

The program uses industry trainers from partners such as Warren Tech, Construction Education Foundation, Red Rocks Community College, and Precision Innovations. JETT has developed relationships with a large number of employers for paid internships, including Mountain Vista Senior Living, Pinkard Construction Company, Monarch Hotel, Christian Brothers, Alpine Lumber, and many others. Should a student seek out a career track outside of JETT’s partners, it actively secures new partnerships to ensure student needs are met.

A key differentiator of ESC’s approach is its commitment to paid internships and continued support for JETT participants after they leave the program. Most transition programs end at graduation, leaving students without placement support and at higher risk of unemployment and/or skill loss due to disconnection from mentorship and structured opportunities. ESC continues post-graduation services to ensure students are placed in the learning programs, internships, and jobs that they seek to help them maintain momentum, apply their hard and soft skills in real-world settings, and successfully transition into independent adulthood.