MentorAbility

Getting started in the right direction can be challenging.  MentorAbility is all about career exploration and getting on the right track for future success.

MentorAbility is an exciting career development initiative for students with disAbilities who attend Wyoming high schools in the following communities:
 

1.  Evanston

2.  Lyman

3.  Mountainview

4.  Green River

5.  Rock Springs

6.  Sheridan

7.  Cheyenne (East HS only)

MentorAbility is unique in that it actively engages local business community leaders in promoting competitive advantage for students with disabilities.     The program does this by having employer mentors provide a variety of career guidance, exploration and internship opportunities to give job seekers the insights, experiences and connections they need to get ahead.

Participating Wyoming high schools are already the best in promoting effective school to work transition for students with disabilities. 

MentorAbility is a value-added service that these high schools have incorporated into their outstanding special education programs - to help make the excellent services that they already provide for students with disabilies even better.
 

It’s all about encouraging people to realize their dreams, and enabling employers to help grow the talent that their businesses need to succeed in today’s competitive world.

Who Can Participate?

Young Adults:  Students with disAbilities attending participating Wyoming high schools

Employers:  Business leaders committed to employing a diverse workforce – who want to inspire talented, motivated young people to realize their full potential
 

Why Get Involved?

Young Adults:  Getting a job is hard work and finding the right career can be an intimidating process.  When you are not sure where you’re going in life, MentorAbility can give you the better ideas, tools and confidence you need to discover your passion and gifts

Employers:  Finding talented, motivated new employees has become the biggest issue challenging businesses today.  Accessing non-traditional workforces including people with disabilities can help solve this problem. 

MentorAbility helps your managers and staff to increase their comfort level and capacity to support new employees and also better serve customers with disabilities – a valuable emerging market.
 

Program Goals
 

• 1.  To encourage young people with disabilities to stay in school and to ultimately obtain a meaningful and rewarding career
   
• 2.  To help businesses hire more new employees with disabilities, and to get excited about working with and inspiring young people to get an education and become employed
   

Program Components

MentorAbility recruits young adults with disabilities who have a genuine desire to work.  These motivated participants may attend high school or they may be college students.  MentorAbility gives these participants a variety of innovative career development opportunities including:
 

• Individual Mentoring:  Each participant is matched with a volunteer mentor.  Orientation, training, support services and special projects are provided to both mentors and young adult protégés – to facilitate effective match ups and productive career exploration opportunities
   
• Speakers & Workshops:  Working professionals from area businesses are invited to provide special topic and career awareness training for young adult participants – to increase job finding capabilities, work ethics and employment retention

  See the BLN events calendar for each local community for a detailed listing of upcoming MentorAbility activities
   

• Site Visits:  Proteges meet with area employers to explore the wealth of employment opportunities in their community.  Businesses also host site visits, tours and job shadowing opportunities to give protégés greater insight towards various careers
   
• Paid Internships:  MentorAbility connects protégés with paid internship opportunities including part time, seasonal and full time employment.  This practical work experience is an essential part in moving ahead on one’s career path
   

Join MentorAbility today!

Contact your local BLN director to find out more and get involved
 

Interested in starting a MentorAbility Program at your high school?
 

Please contact WBLN Business Development Director Lynn Kirkbride at (307) 631-0894 or email:  lynnkirkbride@gmail.com for a free consultation