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Professional Development

Youth service professionals require competencies in many fields (youth development, education, workforce development, disability, etc.) to effectively guide youth in transition and maximize their potential.

Career Development

Career development is a process in which all youth choose and prepare for careers that fit their interests, skills and values by participating in the three key phases of self-exploration, career exploration, and career planning and management. Thirty-seven states and the District of Columbia have implemented individualized learning plans (ILPs) as a career development activity that youth service professionals can use in guiding youth through the career development process.

Other ILP Information and Resources

  • "ILPs Across the U.S." - This interactive map provides a snapshot of current ILP policies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
  • "Kickstart Your ILP" Toolkit - This toolkit provides students with tips on how to jumpstart their ILPs as well as a checklist of steps to complete during each year of high school.

Youth Development and Leadership

Youth development is a process in which youth prepare for the challenges of adolescence and adulthood by building skills and competencies through coordinated, progressive activities and experiences. Youth service professionals can help guide youth through their understanding of the five phases of youth development: learning to apply knowledge from school to other areas of life, connecting with peers and mentors who positively influence behavior and attitudes, thriving in both physical and mental health, working toward a career goal, and leading others in the community in ways that matter to the young person.

Community Service

Volunteerism and work-based learning (both paid and voluntary) can provide critical preparation for youth as they transition from school into the world of work. ODEP and the Corporation for National and Community Service have collaborated to create policy guidance and highlight resources to promote national service as an option for all youth, including youth with disabilities.

Apprenticeship

ODEP's apprenticeship initiative focused on increasing systems capacity to provide apprenticeship training to youth and young adults with a full range of disabilities, including those with the most significant disabilities, and to utilize the increased flexibilities detailed in DOL's apprenticeship regulations, 29 CFR Part 29, issued in 2008.

Additional Resources