PALS

Promoting the Acquisition of Life-long Skills (PALS) is a new collaboration between Rockland BOCES, BRIDGES and the Palisades Center. PALS is a half-day program for students ages 16-21 who are currently enrolled in a BOCES high school program. PALS enables students to learn work-related “soft skills” through a hands-on approach which includes identifying career interests, developing appropriate employability skills and navigating pathways towards employment and independence. Program objectives are as follows:

• Job Exploration
• Work-Based Learning
• Work Readiness Training
• Post-secondary Exploration
• Promotion of Self-Advocacy 

Academic Program Features:

• Receive direct instruction (i.e. Career Awareness, Literacy & Writing Workshop and Academic Support) from a certified teacher in credit-bearing courses 
• Gain valuable experience through placement in various businesses throughout the Palisades Center
• Develop life-long career readiness skills

Social and Emotional Supports:

• Support is given in the form of direct work-site supervision provided by teaching assistants and counselors

Student Profile:

Students ages 16-21 attending Rockland BOCES high school programs

Collaborations:

Rockland BOCES, BRIDGES and the Palisades Center