MSU STRIDE Center
Services, Training, and Research for Independence and Desired Employment
The Building Opportunities for Spartan Success (BOSS) program at Michigan State University is a 15-week initiative aimed at improving career outcomes for students with disabilities by providing valuable real-world experience and essential employability skills in a supportive environment. The program's strength lies in its integrated approach of combining hands-on experience, instruction, and ongoing support, which enables students to effectively apply their skills in actual work settings. Recommendations for further improvement include increasing early support, strengthening partnerships, enhancing flexibility, and addressing logistical barriers. Overall, structured work-based learning models like BOSS show significant potential for boosting employment outcomes for students with disabilities when implemented with careful coordination and responsiveness to their needs.
In collaboration with MSU Athletics and Michigan Rehabilitation Services, the pilot study sought to identify common themes or impacts of Spartan Works on students, supervisors, skills trainers, and parents.
Skills2Work is a program created by Michigan State University's STRIDE Center, funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). It helps youth and young adults with intellectual disabilities prepare for competitive employment through classroom instruction and hands-on learning. By partnering with educators, families, and employers, Skills2Work promotes confidence, independence, and successful transitions into the workforce.
The research project is a partnership between Project SEARCH, Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, and Michigan State University. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a manualized curriculum (ASSET-EPASS) to help Project SEARCH interns improve work-related social skills, job readiness skills, and employment outcomes.