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Employability & Transition (E/T) Program
Building Real-World Skills, Confidence, and Independence for Every Post-Secondary Pathway!
At Hill Top Prep, we believe every student deserves to feel prepared for the next step after high school. Whether a student is planning to attend college, pursue a trade or training program, enter the workforce, participate in a transition program, or continue building independence, our Employability & Transition (E/T) Program helps students develop the skills, confidence, and self-advocacy needed to move forward.
The E/T Program supports neurodivergent students as they explore their strengths, practice real-world responsibilities, and build practical skills for adult life. Through hands-on learning, community partnerships, individualized job coaching, and meaningful work experiences, students learn how to navigate school, work, and community settings with greater independence.
Whether students are preparing for first-time employment, managing the expectations of a college or training environment, building independent living skills, or exploring future career interests, E/T meets them where they are and helps them take the next step with confidence.
The E/T Program is ideal for neurodivergent students in grades 10–12 and postgraduates who are:
- Exploring college, trade school, employment, or transition pathways
- Interested in internships, work experiences, or community engagement
- Building readiness for independent living and adult responsibilities
- Seeking support with workplace, social, executive functioning, and life skills
- Preparing to graduate from Hill Top and move into their next chapter
Students may participate in E/T as part of their full-day schedule integrated into Upper School or Horizons programming.
Core Program Componets
Hill Top partners with local businesses and organizations to create internship, volunteer, job shadowing, and employment opportunities tailored to each student’s interests, strengths, and goals.
Students learn how to apply for jobs, build resumes and portfolios, prepare for interviews, communicate professionally, and navigate workplace expectations with real-time feedback and support.
From transportation arrangements, managing coworker relationships, and personal responsibility, the E/T Program incorporates independent living practice into each week to foster autonomy and real-world problem-solving.
Students receive targeted coaching in organization, planning, time management, self-monitoring, adaptability, and follow-through, which are key skills for success in college, career training, employment, and daily life.
Whether students are asking for help on the job, communicating with a professor or supervisor, managing an interview, or navigating public spaces, they develop practical social communication strategies for everyday life.
A Three-Year Journey of Growth
Students begin their journey by strengthening independence, communication, executive functioning, and decision-making skills. Experiential learning takes center stage through activities such as the Holiday Pop-Up Shop and Dogtoberfest, along with worksite opportunities both on campus and in the community.
Student objectives include applying foundational skills in communication, time management, responsibility, and self-advocacy. Additional highlights may include community service projects, t-shirt design and creation, Functional Fridays, and early career exploration.
Building on their foundation, students participate in internships, long-term projects, and community-based learning experiences that deepen their understanding of workplace professionalism, collaboration, and responsibility. Partnerships with organizations such as Ohana Farm and Plush Mills Senior Living Community provide meaningful, hands-on opportunities to practice real-world skills.
Student objectives include transferring skills into real-world settings through internships, project management, professional communication, and increased independence. Additional highlights may include cider-making with Ohana Farm, internship placements, and workplace readiness coaching.
Students take the lead in entrepreneurial and career-readiness experiences, such as operating The Bean Scene, Hill Top’s student-run coffee shop. With the support of mentors and job coaches, students continue refining job acquisition skills, business communication, problem-solving, and personal responsibility.
Student objectives include demonstrating independence in professional, personal, and community settings. Additional highlights may include The Bean Scene, job shadowing, mentorship opportunities, and individualized preparation for each student’s post-Hill Top pathway.
