PEP (Program for Employment Preparedness)

Vision: To offer students a successful transition through a continuum of community resources, technology utilization, instructional strategies and diverse course offerings. School and family partner together with community service providers to establish future career planning.

PEP is a community-based program for supported work experience, supported travel training, and independent living training. One of the many goals of PEP is to empower our young adults with self-advocacy through self-determination. Students learn independent living and work readiness skills within community settings, and all skills are tailored to meet individual student needs.

PEP partners with local businesses to help teach work and social skills within the business setting. These internships experiences provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their talents. Two days a week, students work with GHC instructors on personal finance, technology skills, resume writing, interview skills, guest speakers, and a variety of community outings.

Prerequisite(s): The referral process must begin with the transition coordinator at the comprehensive high school. The PEP Program Coordinator then reviews all transition coordinator referrals, taking into account student’s age, attendance record, student conduct (school and community), year in school, and prior job training experience.

Office Squad

Brown Box Lunch

Upcycling by PEP

PEP Business Partnerships

The PEP program partners with businesses and agencies in Arlington County to provide students with a variety of internship experiences. The businesses benefit from the talents and abilities of our students. They provide internships that give our students the opportunity to learn social and employment skills in a real-life setting. Below is a list of our current internship locations. This list is always changing and growing, so be sure to check back for the latest news!!

PEP Coordinator

Shane Johnson

[email protected]