ARV to serve 2K+ students with disabilities in summer boot camps
The Vocational Rehabilitation Administration (ARV, in Spanish) is preparing to reach more than 2,000 young people with disabilities through its 2025 Pre-Employment Services Boot Camp.
The program, scheduled for June 17 to July 16, aims to develop job readiness and independent living skills among students ages 14 to 21 who receive special education services or qualify under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
“Boot camps help participating students develop self-awareness and soft or transferable skills, such as communication, critical thinking, punctuality, independence, interpersonal skills, initiative, persistence, teamwork, responsibility and following instructions,” said Rosa H. Lugo-Cabán, ARV administrator.
“These experiences are presented creatively and through dynamics that allow students to explore their interests and improve their skills so they can ultimately achieve a successful transition to employment,” she said.
The boot camps will be offered in ARV’s six regions: Centro Este (Caguas), Metro Este (San Juan), Metro Centro (Bayamón), Norte (Arecibo), Oeste (Mayagüez), and Sur (Ponce). Eligible participants include students from the Department of Education, private schools and post-secondary institutions.
The program, developed under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), includes vocational and career exploration counseling, self-advocacy guidance, post-secondary education preparation and work-based learning opportunities. A financial incentive may be available for those who participate in the work-based component.
“Our goal is to promote inclusion and provide services that facilitate the successful integration of young people and individuals with disabilities into Puerto Rico’s workforce,” Lugo-Cabán said.
Interested participants have until June 6 to contact ARV’s pre-employment transition offices to enroll. For details, call 787-729-0160, ext. 7172, or visit the agency’s website.
