AMAZING things happen with the READY Program!
Student Experiences
Work Site Partners
Hours Worked
Rides Provided
What is READY?
CK matches local high school students with disabilities to area businesses for engaging and fulfilling workplace experiences and internships. Our goal is to facilitate the achievement of workplace readiness goals, build soft skills, and provide real access to the student’s industry of interest.
All READY experiences provide:
- Scaffolded support from a CK READY Facilitator
- Ability to gain confidence and independence by practicing self-advocacy skills at a real worksite
- Point-to-Point transportation, provided by CK’s Knight Rides drivers
- Up to 120 hours of experiences annually
For Interested Parents & Students
Does the CK READY Program sound right for you or your child? Reach out to your DARS Counselor and have them submit a referral for Community Knights.
Job Exploration
Participants will:
- Develop readiness for supported work experience
- Explore multiple work sites
- Includes workplace tours, informational interviews, job shadowing and/or job tryouts
Internship
Participants will:
- Develop skills at a real work site
- Focus on a single work site
- Includes opportunities to grow job-related and soft skills
- Earn minimum wage
Independent Work Experience
Participants will:
- Develop increased independence at a single work site
- Explore for a minimum number of 60 hours at a single work site
(90 hours for career and technical career credentials) - Earn minimum wage
What You Can Do
Be a Work Site Partner
By becoming a READY work site, you help support and include students with disabilities. Tap into this highly-motivated workforce to build your employment pipeline!
Volunteer
Whether supporting our weekly Bingo fundraiser or driving a participant as little as once a month, CK’s mission is supported by our network of volunteers. Join the team!
Become a Facilitator
Program Facilitators build person-centered, positive relationships with students using approaches that promote self-determination in all areas of life. They do so in a workplace environment with the student, allowing them professional exploration of their career industry of interest.
Donate
Disabilities affect 1 in 4 Virginians. You can help provide community engagement and skill-building services, while removing barriers to access and providing transportation.
Current Community Partners
