Seasonal Fundraiser!
Looking for something to hand out on Halloween other than candy? Our pre-assembled goodie bags include 5 items each: bracelet, play-doh, fidget toy, bubbles, and a sticky-hand.
And guess what? Orders are assembled and fulfilled by our participants. Your support promotes job skills development, and helps raise money for our community-based instruction efforts.
We are a Nashville based
school-to-work transition day program developed to prepare neurodivergent teens & young adults for life after high school.
Classroom Learning
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Community-Based Instruction
We believe every learner deserves the chance to explore, try, and grow. That’s why our program prioritizes hands-on experiences from mock interviews and workplace tours, to community-based instruction and volunteer work - we prepare students not only to learn, but to live with purpose and independence.
Employment Gap in Tennessee
Tennessee ranks 44th in the nation for employment rates among individuals with disabilities, one of the largest employment gaps in the U.S.
Many students with disabilities graduate high school unprepared for employment. National data and student surveys consistently show gaps in job readiness and overall life skills largely due to inconsistent transition planning, lack of job experience, and insufficient support in developing necessary skills and knowledge to join the workforce.
There is a critical need for targeted vocational support for individuals with disabilities in our state. Employment is essential for everyone, more so for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities as it provides them with financial independence, a sense of purpose, and a better quality of life. It also has benefits for the rest of society as it helps to break down stereotypes and promote inclusion and opportunities for everyone.
At BrightSteps, we prioritize the transition process, helping students become more prepared to exit school and enter the next phase in life - employment! Our program was created to shrink the employment gap for individuals with disabilities - providing practical, supportive, and empowering instruction to prepare young adults with disabilities to step confidently into the workforce and build fulfilling, independent lives.
The Solution
A Unique Program
Our focus is on the school-to-work transition. Keeping cohorts small, we are able to tailor individuals' programs to meet their needs and achieve their goals. Our approach is designed to provide well-rounded support for individuals with disabilities in their post-graduation journey.
Vocational Exploration &
Job Readiness Skills
We offer vocational exploration and job readiness skills to help participants identify their career interests and develop the necessary skills for gainful employment.
Community-based Instruction
Our program includes community-based instruction to provide real-world learning experiences and opportunities for socialization and community engagement for our participants.
Personalized Learning Plans
Based on individual goals and aspirations, we develop personalized post-graduation roadmaps that outline the steps needed to achieve gainful employment and lead fulfilling lives.
Our Mission
We believe all individuals are capable of growth, achievement, and a fulfilling life. Our mission is to provide an accessible, inclusive curriculum that unlocks potential and opens doors to opportunity.
Our Sponsors
