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Our Program
BrightSteps is a day program created to help neurodivergent teens and young adults prepare for the transition to life after high school.
Through classroom learning activities & community-based instruction, participants are guided through the creation of a post-graduation roadmap to explore interests, develop skill sets, and meet employment goals.
What We Do
Program Calendar
August - May
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 2:30pm
Classroom
Classroom Learning
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Vocational Exploration & Job Readiness Skills
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Functional Math & Literacy
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Life Skills
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Social-emotional Learning
Community-Based Instruction
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Job Shadows & Workplace Tours
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Informational Interviews
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Volunteer Work
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Community Events & Rec
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Civic Engagement
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Advocacy Practice
Community
A major component of our program is community-based instruction (CBI). We believe nothing beats hands-on learning. We partner with local businesses and organizations to consistently get our participants out into the community for real-world experiences.
Director
BrightSteps was founded by Jenna Stroope, a certified Education Specialist holding dual credentials in multiple subjects and special education. Graduating magna cum laude with a Masters in Teaching from the University of Southern California, Jenna began her career teaching in public school special day classes for individuals with mild/moderate disabilities. Most recently, she has been working as a special educator running a high school vocational classroom at a private academy for students with disabilities in Nashville. Her experiences working with young adults with disabilities has led her to identify a great need within the population and an opportunity to help - establishing a school-to-work transition program to create a roadmap to meaningful and fulfilling lives through employment for individuals with disabilities.
Connection first: when students feel safe, valued, and heard, the door opens to meaningful growth and opportunity.
Regulation over expectation: when we are in a dysregulated state, we are not available to learn. Flexibility and meeting students where they are will always be the top priority.
Student-led: our goal is to help students feel empowered. Identifying their strengths, interests, and goals is an integral part of BrightSteps.
Teaching Philosophy
Addressing the Need
According to the National Center for Education Services, there are approximately 7.5 million school aged students enrolled in special education services in the United States. With a shortage of qualified special educators and a significant increase of children diagnosed with intellectual or developmental disabilities, the need to meet the increasing demand for special services has become a national concern. A crucial element of special services is transition planning, which is legally required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Despite the obligation, 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. The unemployment rate for young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities is estimated to be up to four times greater than for those without disabilities. 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.
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