What Happens After High School?
For many students, life after high school is filled with exciting opportunities. But for students with disabilities, the path forward can feel uncertain and isolating. That’s why we created Empowerment Lab—a program designed to help every young person discover their potential, build skills, and connect with their community.
Empowerment Lab includes three key elements:
EXPLORATION
We start with a kick-off meeting for families followed by 10 weekly sessions in small groups of six. Sessions are held at high schools or community-based learning sites, using a hands-on, technology-rich curriculum grounded in research from Temple University.
Students explore their passions, talents, and interests through volunteer work, videos, games, and group discussions. Families play a vital role, offering insights into strengths that may not shine in the classroom. Volunteerism is emphasized as a way to build connections and open doors to employment.
DIGITAL PORTFOLIO CREATION
We gather insights from students, families, and school staff to create dynamic digital portfolios that showcase each student’s unique strengths through photography and videography.
At the end of each series, students celebrate their accomplishments with a certificate ceremony and a “reveal” of their digital portfolios—a highlight for students, families, and teachers alike.
VISIT OUR MOST RECENT PORTFOLIOS BELOW ↓
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
After the series, we create personalized lists of volunteer sites, employers, or community contacts tailored to each student’s interests. Students use their digital portfolios as tools for self-advocacy, connecting them with meaningful opportunities.
