Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) programs are held for high school or college students aged 14 - 26, who are blind or visually impaired (BVI). All programs tie back to the 5 goals of transition services and may target specific age groups or interests. Check back often for updated program information.
Please Note: Some programs require pre-registration or a recommendation to attend from your BSBP Counselor.
Programs below are listed in the month they are taking place or beginning. Check the program information for deadlines if registration is required.
This monthly series is designed to educate families and student supports about a variety of subjects affecting BVI students. This program will provide information from industry experts on a variety of relevant topics, introduce caregivers to useful community resources and connect students/families to career explorations tools & potential work experiences. Please see the Program List for specific dates and topics.
Dates: Every 2nd Thursday of the Month
Location: VIA Zoom
Registration Deadline: No registration required
This program is hosted by students from Michigan, Minnesota, Delaware and Kentucky!! Students are visually impaired and blind peer mentors coming together to discuss various life topics.
Dates: Every 3rd Tuesday January - June, 2023
Locations: Held on Zoom!
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM EST
Registration: Required https://bit.ly/ElevateYourState
Location: Great Wolf Lodge, 3575 US-31, Traverse City, MI 49684
Dates: June 2 - 4, 2023
Description: Visit the Great Wolf Lodge to enjoy a weekend of pure hospitality and fun for the whole family. Students will observe the behind the-scenes operation of a resort and have the opportunity to learn about the various jobs within the hospitality industry. Students will also participate in a variety of activities to build skills necessary for successfully seeking, obtaining and performing a job. Parents will benefit from programming specifically catered to them including family engagement activities, benefits discussion and networking opportunities.
Target Population: High School Students 14 and older **Students who have not participated in this program in the past.
NOTE: A 2nd year track has been developed for up to 6 students. This is for students who are interested in further exploring jobs in hospitality and will include 1-2 intensive job shadow experiences.
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/BSBP-GWL2023
Deadline: May 1st, 2023
For individuals 16 years old or above who are blind or visually impaired and who would like to pursue further education in a post-secondary education environment, such as college.
The Post-Secondary Readiness Program (PSRP) is a 2-week program designed to prepare students for success in a post-secondary education environment.
Dates: Session 1 - June 12th - June 23rd; Session 2 - June 20th - June 30th
Locations: BSBP Training Center, 1541 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Registration: Referral Only. For more information, contact your local BSBP field counselor or the Training Center at BSBPTC-Referrals@michigan.gov.
Location: Eagle Village- 5044 175th Ave. Hersey, MI 49639
Dates: June 14 - 18, 2023
Description: This program is designed to empower students to overcome barriers and ultimately share the light with others by discovering the No Barriers’ 7 Life Elements, learning about Erik Weihenmayer’s life and how he addressed his barriers, developing team building skills to prepare for employment, developing self-advocacy skills, and participating in activities that stretch them beyond their comfort zone.
Target Population: Students 14 to 23 BSBP
Contact: Shannon McVoy mcvoys@michigan.gov or Maria Peak, MPeak@asppireofmidmichigan.com
Referral Process: https://bit.ly/2023NBSummer
National Federation of the Blind-Michigan (NFBMI)Raising Expectations, Accessing Life (R. E. A. L.)
Location: Flint, MI
Dates: June 23 – 25, 2023
Description: NFBMI R. E. A. L. is a weekend-long developmental program that works with students on a wholistic level to support their development and exploration of topics and opportunities that raise the expectations of themselves, their families, and their educational community.
Target Population: Students 14 and older
Contact: Robert Parsons, NFBMI president robert.e.parsons@wmich.edu
Referral Process: NFBMI REAL Registration
Location: Ferris State University
Dates: June 25 - 27, 2023
Description: The Careers Under Construction program will allow you to begin the planning process for transitioning to life after high school and identifying your degree options. Guided by career inventories students will gain an understanding of their strengths and personality preferences. As you deeply explore and understand how your personal profile can relate to/prepare for your future success and align with careers you might be interested in. Additionally, students will have hands-on experience of life on campus, including staying in the dorms, exploring campus, dining in the café and experiencing student life.
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/BSBP-CUC2023
Location: Western Michigan University
Dates: June 26 – August 18, 2023
Description: Students who are blind or visually impaired have an opportunity for a college experience prior to becoming full-time students. The program is designed to provide BSBP customers with training and skills needed to become successful full-time college students. Students will take in-person academic classes from WMU, and BSBP staff will provide Pre-ETS instruction toward college readiness. Students get the opportunity to enjoy campus life, a work experience and will earn a summer income. Target Population: students 16 and older who are considering attending college and have already completed the Post-Secondary Readiness Program (PSRP).
BSBP Contact: Cherrelle Singleton, SingletonC5@michigan.gov
Referral Process: Please email SingletonC5@michigan.gov for a packet or complete registration link to be contacted here: https://bit.ly/BSBP-CollegePrep23.
Students will need to complete a WMU application and provide a copy of HS transcripts.
Students will reside at the BSBP Training Center and complete programing on-site and within the local community. This will include self-advocacy instruction, career exploration, adaptive living techniques, orientation and mobility experiences, finance education, and leisure activities. This program is intended as the first step in preparation for future transition services to help students meet their goals. Students interested and appropriate to stay for an extended training following this trial week are welcome to do so.
Dates: July 9 - 13, 2023
Location: 1541 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, MI
Registration: Work with your Counselor to complete a referral submission.
For more information: Contact the Training Center at 269-337-3848 or LEO-BSBPTC@michigan.gov.
Students will reside at the BSBP Training Center and complete programing on-site and within the local community. Training is customized to target areas identified as needing improvement. This can include computers, assistive technology, self-advocacy instruction, career exploration, Braille, adaptive living techniques, orientation and mobility, finance education, leisure activities, etc.
This program is intended to develop independent living and social skills necessary for a student to be successful in post-secondary education and employment.
Dates: July 9 - August 18, 2023
Location: 1541 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, MI
Registration: Work with your Counselor to complete a referral submission.
Registration Deadline: June 23, 2023
For more information: Contact the Training Center at 269-337-3848 or LEO-BSBPTC@michigan.gov.
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Dates: July 10 - 12, 2023
Description: This program is fun, informative, and interactive. Students will explore and experience careers in the field of earth science. With a focus on weather, wind and fire students will have a hands-on experience to understand emergency preparation for weather-related events. Highlighting 3-D models and other demonstrations, including fire, rain and other types of emergencies that the public can experience, students will learn to prepare with a component and consideration to their vision. Additionally, students will learn about accessible weather apps and gain tools and strategies to prepare for weather. This program includes guest speakers that works within the earth science profession, Sky Zone outing with blizzard simulation and more engaging activities.
Target Population: Students 14 to 20
BSBP Contact: Cherrelle Singleton, SingletonC5@michigan.gov
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/BSBP-EWF2023
Location: Lansing, Michigan State University, Meijer, Equine Center for Learning, Mobius, AJ Boggs
Dates: Tentative dates of July 17 - 21, 2023
Description: Transitions in Training is a customized opportunity for students ages 14 to 23 to help meet their academic and career goals. The 4-day and 3-night program is highly inter-active, and skill focused.
Target Population: Students 14 to 23
BSBP Contact: Paige Lloyd, lloydp@michigan.gov
Referral Process: https://bit.ly/BSBP-TNT2023
A weeklong deep dive into career exploration and how a guide dog fits into your future employment.
Dates: August 7 - 12, 2023
Locations: Hull Foundation & Learning Center in Sandy, Oregon
Registration: Required http://guidedogs.com/careers-canine-connections
Careers and Canine Connections Flyer
Through a series of fun, interactive activities, students who did not attend the BSBP STEM Camp in 2022 will explore a variety of STEM-related areas, as well as relevancy for advanced education and employment. Students will also get a chance to participate in educational outings within the community and interact with sighted peers.
Dates: August 13 - August 18, 2023
Location: 1541 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, MI
Registration: Use the link to register https://bit.ly/BSBP-STEM2023
and work with your Counselor to complete a referral submission.
Registration Deadline: July 21, 2023
For more information: Contact the Training Center at 269-337-3848 or LEO-BSBPTC@michigan.gov.
Location: In person- Camp Daggett, Petosky, MI
Dates: Aug 15 - 19, 2023
Description: Students ages 14 - 21 will be learning new vocational skills with the help of BSBP trained staff. This Camp includes Pre-Employment Transition Services with a focus on work-readiness, career exploration and independent living. Students can participate in teambuilding activities, fun and learning activities.
Target Population: Students 14 to 21
BSBP Contact: April Dungan, dungana@michigan.gov
Referral Process: https://bit.ly/BSBP-CampTZ2023
