The Successful Occupational Achievement Readiness (SOAR) program will begin in Fall 2023. For information about how to enroll, contact Dr. Barbara Fedock, coordinator of Adult Basic Education, at (828) 398-7131 or email barbarafedock@abtech.edu.
What is SOAR?
SOAR is a free vocational and literacy training program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This two-year program develops students' academic, social, and workforce skills through projects and contextualized lessons and activities. Students must commit to attendance Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. throughout the program and be motivated to begin on a career path with support from Vocational Rehabilitation.
Enrollment
Students will be admitted to the program based on availability and their ability to meet the following expectations:
- Take a CASAS GOALS reading test and score 194 or higher
- Arrange schedule and transportation in order to participate in the full program (M - Th 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. for two years)
- Have the motivation to gain employment and develop a career upon completion of the program
- Agree to Vocational Rehabilitation referral before the beginning of Year 2
- Meet the Technical Standards for Adult Basic Education
Student Engagement Requirements
- Students must engage in hands-on activities in the integrated literacy project-based vocational training program in Year One.
- Students must participate in workforce/employment training/internships in Year Two.
Badges and Completion Certificates
- Students receive badges for each integrated literacy project-based vocational training program section completed. A certificate will be awarded at the end of the two-year program.
Integrated Literacy Project-Based Vocational Training Program
Year One: Weekly Learning Objectives
- Each week, instructors will teach a different vocational theme.
- To ensure students learn critical literacy and math skills needed to be successful, instructors will teach reading, writing, math, and critical thinking skills directly related to each vocation area.
Student Learning Expectations
- Students must be fully engaged in class activities, committed to the learning process, reflective learners, and attend class on a regular basis. Students must be committed to the program and learning an occupational trade. Students will demonstrate a level gain on their CASAS GOALS Reading progress test.
Year Two: Employment/Workforce Pathway
Requirements
- Minimum CASAS GOALS Reading score of 204, no behavior issues, no attendance issues, and Year One Instructor recommendation
Year Two Course Offerings
- Goal-Setting and Success
- Computer Literacy
- Digital Literacy
- Career & Employability Skills
- Vocational Courses
Year Two Workforce/Employment Vocational Internships and SOAR Classes
- The program schedule will remain 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. M - Th, but students will take a combination of basic academic skill classes and career-focused courses through Continuing Education or Human Resources Development at A-B Tech.
Download the application
SOAR Application Purpose and Timeline
View Technical Standards
Successful Occupational Achievement Readiness (SOAR) Technical Standards
