Post Secondary Education Programs

Target Community & Educational Services, Inc. (Target) partners to provide a Post Secondary Transition Program in Carroll and Montgomery Counties. Though the programs vary from county to county, the goal of both programs is the same: to offer learning opportunities to students with disabilities to help them gain the skills necessary to make a smooth transition into the work force, to be active participants in the community, and to live as independent a life as possible.

Post-Secondary Programs: Carroll County

The Transition Connections Program (TCP) was developed in conjunction with Carroll County Public Schools, Carroll Community College, Target Community & Educational Services, Inc., and The Arc of Carroll County. This program is for students who: have earned a high school certificate; are remaining in the school system until age 21; are seeking competitive employment; and who wish to become independent, contributing members of the community.

Classroom instruction, provided by all four organizations involved, takes place at Carroll Community College and on the Carroll Springs school campus. Classes include personal fitness, computer literacy, communication and social skills, self-determination, residential living skills, academic support, and career management. Volunteer and paid positions in the community are supported by classroom instructional aids who also serve as job coaches. In addition, the program works with the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to insure a smooth transition from school to work.

For more information on the Carroll County post-secondary Transition Connections Program, please contact Debbie Vana at dvana@targetcommunity.org 410-848-9090, ext. 22.

The Maryland Seamless Transition Collaborative (MSTC) is a Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) grant-funded program. This program is designed for students who have earned their diploma or are still working toward their diploma. These students wish to transition to the workforce and/or further their education in college. Adult agencies contract with DORS to assist individuals match the skills and talents of their personal profile with specific employment needs of businesses in the community.

For more information on the Carroll County post-secondary Maryland Seamless Transition Collaborative, please contact Todd Bonney at tbonney@targetcommunity.org 410-848-9090, ext. 28.

Graduate Transition Program: Montgomery County

Montgomery Country's Graduate Transition Program (GTP) is a collaborative effort between Target Community & Educational Services, Inc., Montgomery College, and Potomac Community Resources. The GTP is a four-semester, two-year program that offers individuals with developmental disabilities a comprehensive education promoting independence, productivity, and inclusion.

Based on the Rockville Campus of Montgomery College, and roughly modeled around the community college's academic schedule, the GTP is divided between a half day of classes and a half day of vocational activities. There is a period in between the two daily sessions for students to eat lunch and socialize. The academic classes focus on subjects including keyboarding, math skills, computer skills, current events, and communication skills. The vocational instruction provides students training specific to practical occupational skills including executing a job search, assessing vocational skills and interests, developing interview techniques, and obtaining and maintaining employment in the community.

For more information about the Montgomery County Graduate Transition Program, please contact Dan Pettingill, Assistant Director, Supported Employment, Montgomery County, at dan.pettingill@targetcommunity.org or 240-632-1434, ext. 21.