KTC + MRS = A Partnership for Student Success

The Partnership Between KTC and MRS Grows Stronger

Did you know that KTC and MRS work together?  The Kent Transition Center and the Michigan Rehabilitation Services division of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services have been working together for years (even longer than I have been at KTC) to get students to find employment and keep the job.  

Many people do not know what all MRS does.  With the help of MRS, disability advocates,  and employers they have partnered with, they have "developed a strategic plan to advance employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities."(1)   MRS is having an active role with getting our students work for the rest of their lives but also wants to provide them with a paid job in the very near future.  

During summer 2016, we will be offering a paid summer job at specific job sites in Grand Rapids, MI, for students who have completed certain MRS criteria within my classroom, who are well behaved, and who have great attendance. 


 The list of MRS criteria covers everything from determining jobs that match their interests to developing transportation plans in the future.   

Michigan Rehabilitation Services summer program criteria list  

At the Kent Transition Center, we train students, many with disabilities of some kind, to be successful in entry-level jobs by teaching them skills in various areas but also by teaching them soft skills that transfer to any job site.  We hope that through this strengthened partnership with MRS, that the students feel more confident about their abilities, obtain work, and maintain that job for the rest of their lives.

Our coordinator who we are in contact with is a man by the name of Joe Champion.  He has made his presence know at schools such as Ottawa Hills, Lowell, and Union, but we would love to have him become well known at your school as well!  Please contact KTC at (616) 365-2391 if you have any questions or are interested in learning more about our partnership with MRS.

More MRS Information:

Step 1: Introduction to MRS

Step 2: Applying for Services

Step 3:

Step 4: Career Exploration

http: //www.michigan.gov/documents/dhs/BetterOffWorking_474324_7.pdf
http://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-73971_25392_70985---,00.html
http://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-73971_25392_40237---,00.html

Pages cited: 

(1) - http://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-73971_25392_70946---,00.html