The Vocational Enrichment Program (VEP) is designed for students ages 16-21 years old interested in understanding careers and essential skills needed in the workplace. The Vocational Enrichment Program is a division of Exceptional Education Work-Based Learning and consists of both a Full Day Class and a Half-Day class where students in the program will attend for half of their school day, for either a morning or afternoon session. 

The VEP emphasizes vocational and job acquisition skills and is designed to prepare students for entry into the workforce. Program curriculum focuses on employability skills as well as academic skills necessary within many jobs - Diversified Occupations, Consumer Math, Applied English and Communication, and Workplace Science. All classes focus on abilities and skills necessary for future employability. Students will learn many of these skills through hands-on practice in the VEP’s community-based storefront, The CoCo Cafe & Gallery, community outings, a job placement within the community where they will work under the supervision of a job coach, and participation in the design and production of items to be sold in the Gallery. Through experiences offered within the program, students receive on-the-job training opportunities, fostering habits and behaviors which meet employment standards. Students will receive compensation for their work through the Work-Based Learning program for the purposes of teaching financial literacy skills. Students exit the VEP with a well-developed portfolio that may be utilized upon seeking employment following graduation.

Student Profile: Students enrolled in this program typically demonstrate ELA and Math skills at the 1st to 4th grade levels. Students in the Full Day Class are working towards Skills and Achievement Credential (SACC).  Students in the Half-Day Classes are working towards Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential (SACC) or the Career Development and Occupational Studies Credential (CDOS) with Local or Regents Diploma. Students generally enter the program with social/emotional skills that do not require consistent adult supervision. The typical student demonstrates the ability to build upon their academic and social experiences.