Ruppin to Career program

Descriptiono New and unique program in Israel

o Focus on the 10% individuals having specific learning disabilities (attention deficits, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia…)

o 30 students each year

o student age:22 +

o duration of program: 2 yr + 6 months job placement process

o Autonomy in program creation and implementation (college diploma)

Strenghtso Holistic approach to student development

o Strong and successful collaboration with employers

o Continuous and individualised monitoring of student progress(1-on-1 relationships with the mentor)

o „Soft release” and transition to labour market

SELECTION PROCESSo 3:1 selection ratio based on diagnostic papers and interviewo Matching of student capabilities and interests to the college programs

INTEGRATIONo Focus of 1st semester on personal development and development of life skillso Basic literacy (Maths, Hebrew, computer skills, English)o Introduction to various programs and matching processo Individual planning and modular programso Integration within college community (involvement in social and other activities)

NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND GUIDANCE

o Continuous individual guidance and counseling (related to specific life problems and career planning and development)

o Once a week meeting with mentor

o Staff consultation meetings about individual student adaptation and progress

o Strong support in transition to labour market („soft release” and matching)

TEACHER COMPETENCES

o Experienced and motivated teachers („teachers with big heart”)

o Strong collaboration with educational professionals and support staff

o Consultation meetings and continuous professional development

o Involvement of families

TRANSITION TO LABOUR MARKET

o Actively seeking the employers for individual students

o Inclusion during the program in the regular working environment in co-operation with employers (project work)

o Matching between students’ competencies and employers’ requirements

o Matching programs to labour market and specific employers

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

o Non-profitable program of Ruppin College

o Social security funds for students

o Special benefits for employers (adaptation of work place, add-on salary)

o Funding of specific activities (family involvement events etc.)

o Sustainability of the program

o Enrollment of higher proportion of target students group

o Widening of programs to other social (special needs) groups

o Unfortunatelly, we had no opportunity to meet students and to get insight to their perspectives

Challenges