Beyond Job Readiness: A Holistic Approach to Creating Pathways to Success
For students with disabilities, the path to independence can be filled with barriers—some seen, others hidden. At The Transition Academy, we believe in reimagining education to ensure every student has the tools, support, and confidence to navigate life beyond high school.
During a recent presentation, Kim Riley, CEO and Founder of The Transition Academy, shared insights into how the organization is making a difference. With additional support from team member Andi Bongi, Kim highlighted TTA’s hands-on approach to preparing students with disabilities for adulthood. Through job exploration, social-emotional learning, and community connections, TTA is creating real opportunities for students who often fall through the cracks.
From Classroom to Career: Preparing Youth for the Workforce
The Transition Academy takes an immersive approach to career exploration, offering students real-world experiences beyond traditional classroom learning. Students enrolled in TTA have participated in workplace visits, guest speaker sessions, and mentorship opportunities designed to expand their career options.
Some of the highlights included:
KC DiversAbility College and Career Fair: Connecting youth with businesses and organizations actively seeking diverse talent.
Career Speaker Series: Professionals, including a disability employment advocate and an adult learner who overcame challenges to earn his high school diploma, shared their journeys.
Job Site Visits: Tours at Costco, the Builders Association, and Kansas City International Airport, where students learned about various career paths and firsthand experiences.
Real-World Engagement: Activities like job shadowing and one-on-one career coaching help students refine their career interests.
These experiences not only broaden students’ perspectives but also help them build professional skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging in the workforce.
More Than Job Skills: Supporting Social-Emotional Growth
Success isn’t just about finding a job—it’s about developing resilience, self-awareness, and emotional well-being. The Transition Academy prioritizes social-emotional learning (SEL) and mental health support, knowing that these skills are just as critical as workforce development.
This fall, TTA provided structured lessons and crisis interventions to help students navigate challenges such as:
Coping with Change: Many students struggle with unpredictability. Lessons focused on adaptability, emotional regulation, and self-confidence to help them handle life’s ups and downs.
Mental Health Support: TTA made 41 referrals, including 7 to external agencies, connecting students with resources like substance abuse counseling, crisis intervention, and therapy.
Building Consistency & Trust: Many students have been let down before. TTA’s ongoing presence and belief in their potential help reinforce a sense of self-worth and success.
This emphasis on SEL is in line with our four pillars of transition, setting up students for success after graduation:
Expanding Access & Breaking Barriers
All these services are free for Kansas City Public Schools and charter school students, thanks to public and private funding. While The Transition Academy primarily serves Missouri, it extends its reach through events like the KC DiversAbility College & Career Fair, which connects families across the metro area to essential resources.
When we provide students with the right support, they thrive. Investing in workforce development and social-emotional development together provides a holistic support system and paves the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
You can watch Kim Riley’s presentation on the Mental Health KC YouTube Page: