Utah’s Pathways to Careers program has been a major focus of the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) since 2021 (Stanborough, 2026). Students aged 14 and up who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) plan can utilize the program to prepare them for transition into the next phase of their adult lives. The key to its success has been the close partnership between state disability and health agencies, vocational rehabilitation programs, local transition services providers, and educators.
A prominent example of the program in action is with the student, Breanne Stapley, who underwent an extensive interests and skills assessment. As a result, she found an internship, and then went on to find a job that perfectly matched up with her skills and interests. Now, Breanne works at a local pet park and takes care of dogs (Stanborough, 2026).
The Role of Transition Planning
With Utah making the decision to implement transition planning a full two years before federal guidelines, students are given more time to prepare for the next stage after high school. Lavinia Gripentrog, a USBE secondary transition specialist, said: “We realized that transition is super important and that we had a long way to go in our state to improve transition services, resources, and outcomes (Stanborough, 2026).” As a result, a small group of transition specialists developed the necessary training and tools that could then be used by families, educators, and the students themselves.
Federally Mandated Assistance Gives Students a Leg Up
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires students nationwide with an IEP to begin transition planning by the age of 16, with resources offered to the 6 million nationwide students with an IEP plan (COPAA, 2023). However, research showed that approximately 52% of U.S. states and territories believed transition planning should begin earlier (Suk et al., 2020).
Through an individual transition plan, students can create and work toward their goals involving postsecondary education, independent living, training, and employment. Each state must report postsecondary outcomes to the U.S. Department of Education.
Top Program Features
Pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) provide assistance for those between the ages of 14 and 21. A few of its key features include empowering students by allowing them to explore their options and plan for their future, as well as learning self-advocacy.
Work-Based Learning (WBLE) ensures that students get on-the-job training and gain vital workplace experience. The state of Utah covers liability insurance to help make this possible. Furthermore, students are given the opportunity to earn Career Development Credentials (CDCs). Completing custom Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides CDCs, which can make it easier to obtain post-high school employment.
Another way to assist students is by having them take the (SRS®-3) Social Responsiveness Scale,Third Edition. This assessment allows autistic individuals to be checked for social responsiveness. Moreover, it takes autism-related behaviors into account.
Aside from workplace skills, students are also taught soft skills and independent living skills. Learning how to explore jobs, get ready for the workplace, and self-advocate are skills the students will take with them for the rest of their lives.
Research and Resources
Stanborough, R. (2026). Transition Elevated: Utah’s Ambitious Aims for Students With Disabilities. WPS. https://www.wpspublish.com/blog/transition-elevated-utah-transition-planning-students-with-disabilities
Suk, A. L., Martin, J. E., McConnell, A. E., & Biles, T. L. (2020). States Decrease Their Required Secondary Transition Planning Age: Federal Policy Must Change. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 31(2), 112–118. https://doi.org/10.1177/1044207320915157
(COPAA) Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates. (2023). IDEA: Transition from High School. https://www.copaa.org/page/TransIDEA
Discover more from GeekMamas.com
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
