Career Readiness

Our YEP career readiness program is an inclusive job-readiness program that addresses barriers to employment for youth and young adults with disabilities. Annually, we serves over 85 students in both classroom and after-school settings.

YEP has existed for over 20 years and has impacted the lives of hundreds of youth. The program addresses barriers to employment via a three-tiered curriculum:

Academic Learning

Youth complete coursework regarding financial literacy, career-readiness, and entrepreneurship.

Real-world Experiences

Classroom learning is supplemented by guest speakers, job shadow days, field trips, and trade shows.

Mentoring

Mentors from the business community assist youth in the classroom via guest lectures, job shadow days, and mock interviews.

Meet the YEP career readiness program!

Program Contacts

Lindsay Alperin

YEP Career Readiness Director

Phone: 617-556-4075 x125

Email: lalperin@pyd.org

Joanna Dumas

Career Readiness Specialist

Phone: 617-556-4075 x127

Email: jdumas@pyd.org

Anna-Mariya Kirova

Pre-Employment Coordinator

Phone: 617-556-4075 x131

Email: akirova@pyd.org

Nelly Olivo-Luna

Career Readiness Program Specialist

Phone: 617-556-4075 x123

Email: rolivoluna@pyd.org

Mehdi Raoufi

Pre-Employment Specialist

Phone: 617-556-4075 x130

Email: mraoufi@pyd.org

Pre-Employment Program

What: We offer an ongoing series of career readiness workshops which cover a range of job skills, including: conducting job searches, writing a resume and cover letter, interview skills, soft skills, stress management in the workplace, and self-advocacy. The program incorporates a variety of real-world learning experiences including job shadows, guest lectures, and internships.

Who: Students with disabilities (ages 14-21) attending high school or a post-secondary program. Must reside in the Greater Boston area.

When: Sessions are held weekly on an ongoing basis through the fall and spring. Reach out to the program coordinator for the full schedule.

Enrollment: For more information, including participating in the program, referring a student or hosting a career event at your workplace, please contact the Program Coordinator, Anna-Mariya Kirova, at 617-556-4075 ext. 131 or akirova@pyd.org.