At Pathways 2 Work, we know that every brain works differently—and that’s a strength. Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) help students with disabilities explore careers, build skills, and get ready for life after high school. Through hands-on activities, community connections, and real work experiences, Pre-ETS gives youth the confidence and tools they need to plan for their future.
Self-Advocacy 1:
Knowing Yourself & Your Voice - Self-Awareness
In Self-Advocacy 1, students learn the basics of speaking up for themselves—at school, at work, and in the community. We focus on building confidence, self-awareness, and communication skills. The goal of this course is to increase the participants’ understanding of their strengths, skills and disability-related needs pertaining to employment and education.
Course topics include the following:
Discover their strengths, needs, and learning styles
Practice “elevator pitches” to introduce themselves and share goals
Learn active listening and respectful communication
Start basic transition planning for life after high school
Participate in role plays for everyday self-advocacy situations
Meet guest speakers who share real-life advocacy stories
Explore career awareness through fun, hands-on activities
Disability disclosure
Intrinsic motivation
Self-reflection
Knowledge of rights and responsibilities
Student Voice: “I learned how to tell people what I’m good at and what I need to do my best.”
Self-Advocacy 2:
Speaking with Purpose - Self-Efficacy
Self-Advocacy 2 builds on the foundation by helping students connect their self-awareness to real-world opportunities. They begin to lead their own planning and speak confidently in different settings. The goal of this course is to build the participants’ skills in communicating with employers and educational institutions about their strengths and needs.
Course topics include the following:
Refine and personalize their elevator pitch
Learn career planning steps and match them to personal strengths
Develop stronger public speaking skills and self-confidence
Explore social media and pop culture as tools for advocacy
Interview executives and professionals from various career fields
Role-play workplace and postsecondary scenarios
Embed executive functioning skills into planning and follow-through
Effective communication
Requesting help
Assertiveness
Listening
Identifying and requesting accommodations
Problem-solving
Student Voice: “Now I know how to plan my goals and actually make them happen.”
Self-Advocacy 3:
Leading Your Future - Self-Determination
In Self-Advocacy 3, students take full ownership of their advocacy, leadership, and career direction. They apply all skills learned to real-life projects and next-step planning. The goal of this course is to increase the participant’s skill in identifying and achieving goals, including goals related to education, employment and personal fulfillment.
Course topics include the following:
Lead their own transition and career plans with minimal guidance
Demonstrate advanced interview skills in mock and live settings
Facilitate peer discussions and mentor younger students
Conduct in-depth informational interviews with community leaders
Present personal advocacy projects to an audience
Practice independent problem-solving and decision-making
Showcase all skills in a final Career & Advocacy Portfolio
Decision-making
Leadership
Progress monitoring
- Goal setting and attainment
Student Voice: “I feel ready for my future because I know how to speak up for myself and go after my goals.”
Post-Secondary Counseling
Life after high school can feel exciting—and sometimes a little overwhelming. Our Post-Secondary Counseling gives students and families the tools, guidance, and confidence to choose the path that’s right for them. The goal of this course is to increase the participant’s skill in identifying and achieving goals, including goals related to education, employment and personal fulfillment. Postsecondary Educational Counseling increases the participant’s awareness of the wide range of career pathways, the demand for careers in their local labor market and potential growth of jobs in that field. This service is designed to assist participants with disabilities to explore enrollment options in comprehensive transition programs as well as Postsecondary educational programs, such as college/university, career and technical education, registered apprenticeships and other Postsecondary training programs. This service assists participants in gaining an awareness of the wide range of Postsecondary education pathway options as well as labor market realities and projections. This service may also include assistance in completing school applications, financial aid applications, and registrations, as well as exploring registered apprenticeship options. This service is based on an hourly rate.
Course topics include the following:
College options – from community colleges to universities
Career and technical education – hands-on programs that lead directly to great jobs
Apprenticeships – earn while you learn in high-demand trades
Specialized training programs – certifications, licenses, and skill-based learning
Workforce entry – finding the right job to start building a career
Gap-year opportunities – volunteer work, travel, or skill-building before starting school or work
Student Voice:
“I used to feel lost about what came after graduation—now I have a plan I’m excited about!”
Our goal is to make sure every student feels ready, supported, and confident about their future—whether that means going to college, starting a career, or learning a trade.
Youth Job Exploration Program
Our Youth Job Exploration Program is all about helping students discover what’s possible. We guide students through hands-on activities, workplace visits, and real conversations with professionals so they can explore careers, learn about different industries, and find a path that matches their strengths and interests.
Program Highlights:
Career Discovery Activities – personality and interest surveys, skills assessments, and career-matching games
Industry Spotlights – learn about jobs in healthcare, technology, hospitality, construction, arts, public service, and more
Business Tours & Field Trips – see real workplaces in action
Meet the Pros – Q&A sessions with guest speakers from a variety of careers
Hands-On Simulations – practice tasks from different industries in a safe, fun setting
Social Media & Pop Culture Connections – explore how current trends and technologies shape today’s jobs
Career Journals – reflect on what you learn and track your interests over time
💬 Student Voice:
“I didn’t know there were so many careers I could try. Now I have ideas for what I want to do after school.”
The Youth Job Exploration Program gives students the knowledge, exposure, and inspiration to plan their next steps with confidence. It’s the first step toward making career dreams a reality.
Youth Work Readiness
Our Youth Work Readiness program gives students the essential skills they need to start—and keep—a job. Through interactive lessons, role plays, and hands-on practice, participants learn how to show up prepared, work well with others, and handle real-world responsibilities.
You’ll Learn:
How to fill out job applications and create a professional resume
Interview tips and practice with mock interviews
Workplace etiquette—dress, communication, and attitude
Problem-solving and conflict resolution
Time management and staying organized
Teamwork and customer service skills
We make learning fun and relevant by connecting lessons to real-life situations, pop culture, and social media trends. With executive functioning skills built into every activity, students gain the confidence and know-how to step into the workplace and thrive.
💬 Student Voice:
“I feel like I’m ready to walk into my first job and do a great job from day one.”
Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLE)
Work-Based Learning Experiences give students a chance to try out real jobs, gain valuable skills, and build confidence in a supportive setting. At Pathways 2 Work, we connect youth with opportunities that match their interests and strengths—while providing the training, coaching, and encouragement they need to succeed. WBLE is intended to assist participants with disabilities to explore career paths and gain general employability skills needed to obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment. WBLE services use the workplace or real work to provide participants with the knowledge and skills that will help them connect school experiences to real-life work activities and future career opportunities. These opportunities are meant to engage, motivate and augment the learning process.
Opportunities Include:
Short-Term Paid Internships – earn while you learn in roles that interest you
Job Shadowing – spend a day with a professional to see what their work is really like
Industry Tours – visit local businesses and explore behind-the-scenes operations
On-the-Job Training – work alongside experienced staff with guidance from our team
Service Learning Projects – build skills while giving back to the community
Student Voice:
“Working at my internship showed me I can handle real responsibilities—and my boss even offered me a job after!”
With WBLE, students don’t just learn about careers—they experience them. These opportunities open doors to future jobs, further education, and greater independence.
Program Highlights
Our youth programs are packed with innovative tools, strong partnerships, and real-world experiences that prepare students for college, career, and independent living.
Neurodiversity Strategies
At Pathways 2 Work, we believe every mind works in its own unique way—and that’s a strength. Our curriculum is designed to support all learning styles, especially for students who are neurodivergent (such as those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences).
We use strategies that help every student succeed, including:
Multiple ways to learn – visual aids, hands-on activities, role play, and real-world practice
Clear instructions and routines – step-by-step guidance and visual schedules
Flexible learning pace – extra time or alternate methods when needed
Sensory-friendly practices – calming spaces, breaks, and tools to reduce overwhelm
Strength-based teaching – focusing on what students do best and building from there
Social and self-advocacy skills – teaching how to communicate needs and work well with others
By blending neurodiversity strategies into everything we teach, we make sure all students can fully participate, build confidence, and prepare for a bright future.
Executive Functioning Skills
Executive functioning skills are the “control center” of the brain—they help us plan, stay organized, manage time, and make good decisions. These skills are essential for success in school, at work, and in daily life.
At Pathways 2 Work, we teach executive functioning in ways that are practical, engaging, and tailored to each student’s needs. Students learn to:
Plan ahead – set goals and break them into step-by-step actions
Stay organized – use tools like planners, checklists, and digital reminders
Manage time – keep track of deadlines and balance work, school, and personal time
Stay focused – practice strategies to avoid distractions and complete tasks
Solve problems – think through challenges and find workable solutions
Self-monitor – reflect on progress and adjust when needed
By strengthening these skills, students gain the confidence and independence they need to navigate life’s responsibilities—whether it’s managing a job, continuing education, or living on their own.
Why Pathways?
Our youth programs are packed with innovative tools, strong partnerships, and real-world experiences that prepare students for college, career, and independent living.
📜 Florida Ready to Work Certifications
Students can earn state-recognized credentials in essential “soft skills” like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—making them more competitive in the job market.
💻 Partnership with XELLO – Broward Schools Virtual Career Portfolio
Through our partnership with XELLO, students build a personalized online career portfolio. They can explore careers, track goals, and showcase achievements to colleges and employers.
🎓 College-Ready Support
We provide guidance and resources to prepare students for college entrance—whether it’s application assistance, scholarship searches, or learning how to navigate campus life.
🤝 Employer Partnerships
Local businesses open their doors for internships, job shadowing, and workplace tours, giving students first-hand exposure to career opportunities in their community.
🏢 Agency Partnerships
We collaborate with community agencies, vocational rehabilitation programs, and support networks to ensure students and families have access to a full range of services for success.
💬 Student Voice:
“I didn’t just learn about jobs—I got to meet real employers and build my own career portfolio.”
Meet the Instructor: Mindy Sherman
Mindy Sherman is a Florida Certified Teacher and Transition Specialist with more than 30 years of experience in education and workforce development. She has taught in a wide range of settings—including resource room, support facilitation, and as an ESE specialist—and most recently served as a District Transition Specialist for Broward County Public Schools, where she assisted and trained secondary transition programs throughout the county.
Mindy Sherman is a Florida Certified Teacher and Transition Specialist with more than 30 years of experience in education and workforce development. She has taught in a wide range of settings—including resource room, support facilitation, and as an ESE specialist—and most recently served as a District Transition Specialist for Broward County Public Schools, where she assisted and trained secondary transition programs throughout the county.
In 2003, Mindy designed and launched the groundbreaking Career Placement Program, which continues today as a deferment program at Broward Technical Colleges, helping students successfully bridge from high school to meaningful employment.
Building on this foundation, Mindy founded Pathways 2 Work in 2018, which has grown into a premiere Employment Service Provider across Florida. Under her leadership, the Pathways team is trained in Individual Placement and Support (IPS) principles and strategies, and has successfully assisted more than 1,800 individuals in finding and maintaining competitive employment.
Mindy’s lifelong passion is advancing innovative career readiness and transition programming that empowers youth and adults with barriers—including neurodiverse individuals and those facing mental health challenges—to achieve long-term success in work and life.
Meet the Instructor: Angela Gerald
Angela holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis and brings over 10 years of experience working in the field of education. She has supported individuals with diverse needs and collaborated with families and professionals to promote growth and success. Her passion lies in creating an inclusive learning environment and applying evidence-based practices to help individuals achieve their fullest potential.
