An intensive 1-year vocational recovery program for persons who wish to pursue a career and need computer and work readiness skills. Qualified students attend class 4 full days a week for one semester while learning typing, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and some website design. Students also participate in recovery seminars and wellness courses as part of their vocational recovery.

Upon completion, students work in a semester-long internship in a corporate environment where they have the opportunity to apply their newly learned skills. Job development services are available to students upon completion of their internship. The cost of the program is $11,000; financial support is available to qualified applicants.

The Program

The program is comprised of three components: Skills teaching in the classroom, career development education and individualized support. This approach to vocational recovery assists students to learn the computer skills necessary in today's work environments and develop critical employment skills necessary for choosing, getting, and keeping meaningful work. The individualized support provided supports students in their own recovery and helps build confidence and competence. Interpersonal skill development and health promotion skills are also taught to assist student's capacity to be successful and satisfied as they assume valued roles in their communities.

The Classroom

Participants in Training for the Future are invited to begin their vocational recovery in a classroom. Utilizing a direct skills teaching approach that supports all learning strengths and challenges, students have the opportunity to gain mastery in the following:

• Computer training including: Windows, typing, word processing, spreadsheets, data management, presentation software, Internet use, email competency, and website design.

• Career Development skills including: choosing, getting and keeping meaningful work, work readiness skills, interpersonal skills and stress management skills.

• Recovery & Health Promotion skills including: physical fitness, nutrition planning, connecting with others, and coping with stress.

To learn more about the classroom component, schedule and courses, click here.

Career Development

Work readiness and interpersonal skills are taght in the classroom during the first semester. Students are taught how to identify their vocational values , strengths and skill needs. Emphasis is placed on development of essential interpersonal skills people need to be successful and satisfied at work.

A semester-long internship with job placement assistance is provided after completion of the classroom component. Past internship sites have included positions at Boston University, Schwartz Communications, M-Power, Museum of Science, Institute for Community Inclusion, and Beth Israel Hospital.

We are privileged to have over 50 prestigious community partners who engage in and support students in achieving their employment aspirations. Learn more about some of our strategic business and community partners.

Individualized Support

Each student chooses an advisor to meet with weekly on an individual basis to assist them in maximizing their own personal potential. Each student develops vocational goals and action steps in partnership with their advisor. The advising process is personalized to meet each student's individual needs.