Youth Transition Services

Wallowa County ESD's Youth Transition Program provides a wide variety of services to students with disabilities beginning at age 16.  The Youth Transition Specialist works with high school special education teachers in assisting students to successfully transition from high school to the world of work.  This process includes job exploration counseling, work-based learning, counseling on post-secondary opportunities, workplace readiness training and instruction in self-advocacy.  Students may participate in the program’s work experience and job shadow options to gain knowledge about various career interests.  Through a partnership with Oregon DHS Vocational Rehabilitation, qualified students also receive support with post-high school training or education programs.

Youth Transitions to Employment Summer Work Program

The Wallowa County ESD, in partnership with Oregon DHS Vocational Rehabilitation, offers summer work opportunities to students in our Youth Transition Program.  We connect students with local employers to help them find jobs that are aligned with their career interests.  Students gain work experience and develop essential job skills over the course of eight weeks.  All employment expenses, including wages and insurance, are covered by the ESD through a grant provided by Vocational Rehabilitation.

We are excited to report that five students participated in the program during the summer of 2024.  We'd like to thank the following employers for hosting these students:

• Wallowa County Fair Board

• Oregon Department of Forestry - Wallowa Unit

• Timber Bronze

• M. Crow Radio

Our hosts are incredibly important to the success of this program.  We appreciate their support, as well as the  amount of time and energy they invest in our students!