DC3C WorkReady
High school students with disabilities from across DC are invited to participate!
Explore Careers Through DC3C WorkReady
DC3C WorkReady Events help students with disabilities explore careers, build workplace readiness skills, and learn about education and training opportunities after high school. Through hands-on experiences and connections with employers, colleges, and community partners, students gain knowledge, confidence, and skills that support their future goals.
DC3C WorkReady programming includes Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLEs) and Work-Based Learning Internships (WBLIs).
What is a Work-Based Learning Experience (WBLE)?
Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLEs) help students explore careers and learn about the world of work through real-life experiences.
DC3C WBLEs may include:
- Workplace Tours – Students visit businesses and organizations to learn about different careers, workplace expectations, and daily job responsibilities.
- College Tours – Students visit colleges, universities, and training programs to learn about admissions, campus life, disability support services, and postsecondary options.
- Job Shadowing Experiences – Students spend time observing professionals at work to learn about a specific career and what it takes to be successful in that field.
- Guest Speakers and Career Panels – Students hear from employers, professionals, college representatives, and community leaders who share information about their careers and experiences.
What is a Work-Based Learning Internship (WBLI)?
Work-Based Learning Internships (WBLIs) are paid work experiences that allow students to build workplace skills in real employment settings.
DC3C currently offers:
- Summer Work-Based Learning Internship (WBLI) – A paid summer internship that provides students with hands-on work experience, workplace readiness training, and opportunities to explore careers.
- High School Internship Program (HSIP) – A paid internship during the school year that allows students to gain work experience while continuing their education.
Questions?
For questions about Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLEs), including workplace tours, college tours, job shadowing experiences, and guest speaker events, please contact:
- Mr. David Fridie (Program Manager): dfridie@specialedcoop.org
For questions about Work-Based Learning Internships (WBLIs) or the High School Internship Program (HSIP), please contact:
- Mrs. Cotora Holland (Program Manager): cholland@specialedcoop.org
Join Us!
DC3C WorkReady is open to students ages 14–22 who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan and attend a public charter school affiliated with the DC Special Education Cooperative (Co-op) member network.
This program is supported through the District of Columbia Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), which helps students with disabilities prepare for careers, education, training, and independent living after high school through Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).
To participate, students must have a completed RSA Pre-ETS Consent Form on file:
For questions about eligibility or enrollment, please contact your school’s transition specialist, special education coordinator, or the DC3C team.
Visit our of calendar of events to see where we’re going this year and sign up!
DC3C WorkReady Frequently Asked Questions
A: DC3C WorkReady is open to students ages 14–22 who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan and attend a public charter school affiliated with the DC Special Education Cooperative (Co-op) member network.
This program is supported through the District of Columbia Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), which helps students with disabilities prepare for careers, education, training, and independent living after high school through Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).
To participate, students must have a completed RSA Pre-ETS Consent Form on file:
For questions about eligibility or enrollment, please contact your school’s transition specialist, special education coordinator, or the DC3C team.
A: Capacity varies by trip and host site. Please review the trip information sheet for details about student limits, eligibility requirements, and logistics. Priority may be given to students who are RSA Known – those students who have submitted a completed Pre-ETS Consent Form (English Version or Spanish Version). When registering, schools will be asked to provide an estimated number of participating students.
A: Typically, DC3C WorkReady events range from a few hours to a full school day, depending on the activity and host partner. Transportation, meals, and other logistics vary by event. Please refer to the trip information sheet for specific details.
A: If a DC3C WorkReady event is canceled, participating schools will be notified as soon as possible. DC3C will provide information about any rescheduling opportunities or next steps.