Start on Success Grant Application
Each year the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), Department of Special Education and Student Services provides funding to the Center on Transition Innovations (CTI) at Virginia Commonwealth University for the purpose of supporting two school divisions interested in implementing Start on Success (SOS). Your division has been selected to apply for this program.
Start on Success is a highly structured school-to-work program designed to increase the readiness for college and career success among high school students with disabilities. Currently, the VDOE, CTI, and the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services are seeking to partner with two school divisions across the state to improve transition services and postsecondary education and employment outcomes. This program includes course content and a paid internship. The program development begins in January 2023 with implementation in the 2023-2024 school year.
Program outcomes indicate that:
- the majority of Virginia students who participate in SOS pursue postsecondary employment or education;
- graduation rates improve for students with disabilities;
- students discover abilities and interests; and
- stronger relationships are developed among schools, students, families, service providers, and the business community.
More information about the program is available in the Start on Success 2022 Application. The application and accompanying forms must be submitted by
November 4, 2022.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Marianne Moore, Secondary Transition Specialist, by telephone at (804) 225-2700, or by email at Marianne.Moore@doe.virginia.gov; or Kelly Ligon, Training Associate at CTI, by telephone at (804) 827-0998, or by email at kligon@vcu.edu.
