Program for Successful Employment

The Program for Successful Employment (PSE) is a division of Workforce Development at BPCC providing flexible and innovative education and training for individuals with significant disabilities or support needs. Students who have exited high school may enroll in a unique comprehensive transition and postsecondary program for individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and/or Autism. As a federally-recognized CTP program, students with an ID diagnosis may be eligible for federal financial aid, even without a high school diploma or equivalent.

The program is designed to provide 12 hours of support weekly as they attend BPCC courses, participate in campus events, join student organizations, and build relationships with peers. This comprehensive program combines academic and essential skills training with practical experience through internships on campus and in the community. An Employment Specialist and peer coaches will mentor students through the job search, application, and interview process.

The goal of PSE is to provide vocational and essential skills training while students work to earn a credential in a field where they can use their strengths and interests as well as personalized coaching and support through the transition to gainful employment and independent living.

Benefits Of The Comprehensive Transition Program:

  • Person-centered planning for a college experience to increase independence
  • Feedback on academic progress after the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks of participation
  • Vocational and essential skills training
  • Ability to apply for federal financial aid without a high school credential for students with ID

Requirements For Participation In The Program For Successful Employment Comprehensive Transition Program:

  • Express honestly a clear desire to become gainfully employed and present documents that fulfill I9 requirements to accept paid employment: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/acceptable-documents/list-documents/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
  • Be able and willing to engage program participation as a job and meet attendance and reporting standards that exceed that of typical students in preparation for employment (Contact PSE Director for a copy of the program participation agreement at cheying@bpcc.edu )
  • Submit a simple resume and two letters of recommendation completed by individuals who are not related to you (Letter of Recommendation link on left side of this webpage and resume help may be found here: https://www.louisianaworks.net/hire/vosnet/Default.aspx?enc=vLa15KtdCzQQMP6jrcRdIQ==)
  • Provide proof of a diagnosis of Intellectual/Developmental Disability and/or Autism: https://www.bpcc.edu/disability-services/required-medical-documentation (NOTE: An ID diagnosis may be older than three years IF the student does not wish to take classes for credit. Please contact PSE Director for further information.)
  • Be age 18 or above or turn 18 within the first 8 weeks of a semester and retain full legal rights (Student may not be under interdiction or guardianship to participate independently.)
  • Be able and willing to follow the BPCC student code of conduct: /current-students/student-services/student-conduct
  • Be able and willing to participate at least 12 and up to 24 hours per week on campus to include an essential skills course each semester
  • Be able and willing to participate in social engagement on campus and in the community that is expected to increase over time with essential skills instruction and program support that fades over time with skill growth
  • Schedule to meet with PSE staff and develop a Plan for Employment
  • Complete the application for admission to BPCC

The Schedule:

PSE follows BPCC’s Fall and Spring calendar

August – December

January- May

Fee for program is $2,304 per semester