There are more than 2-thousand youth enrolled in New York State PROMISE, which is a research project. Half of the students and their families are enrolled in an intervention group and receive a coordinated set of services and supports aimed at promoting a successful transition to adulthood. The other half are in a control group. While students in the control group dont receive the same enhanced supports, their participation is critical to gathering accurate data to help bring about future systems change for students with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income or SSI.

Schenectady High School sophomore Lakiyah is excited about getting involved in the world of work. PROMISE case manager Denise Hamedy and service provider Deb Hollner have been helping Lakiyah to develop new skills so she can pursue what shes passionate about. Lakiyah enjoys working with children, so thats where the PROMISE team is focused.

Bridges from School to Work was established in 1989 by the Marriott Foundation to help transform the lives of young adults with disabilities through the power of work. PROMISE is excited to welcome Bridges aboard its project. Bridges has an impressive track record of success and is helping to guide PROMISE staff and connect students in New York City with new employment experiences.

The New York State PROMISE team in the capital region works closely with Kossianna and her mom Tracy. PROMISE has been able to secure several employment experiences for Kossianna, which have helped her to develop new skills and a resume. Having those have opened the door to paid employment opportunities.

New York State PROMISE student Samuel and his mom Gail recently had the opportunity to attend a PROMISE engagement event at Madame Tussauds wax museum in New York City. While the tour was exciting, its even more exciting to see the positive things happening in Samuels life. Hes working very hard academically, excelling in basketball, and has a desire to go to college so he can help at-risk young people.

In this podcast, New York State PROMISE wants to give you an overview of the innovative approach its taking in its research project to determine the most effective ways to improve the outcomes of students with disabilities. Everyday case managers and service providers are working hard on behalf of students enrolled in PROMISE.

The Western New York PROMISE team is working with high school senior Cornelius to explore potential careers. Cornelius is motivated to try as many experiences as he can. Meanwhile Corneliuss mom, Charmaine, says PROMISE has also been of great assistance to her.

PROMISE first introduced you to Angelina and her mom, Janett, about a year ago in September of 2016. Since then, Angelina has been hitting the books hard for school and has had several brief work experiences to help gauge what she is interested in. PROMISE recently caught up with Angelina at Dave and Busters, which is a restaurant and arcade, in Buffalo. The Dave and Busters experience was both a recognition and celebration of Angelinas progress and accomplishments in PROMISE and a training experience for her mom.

Audrey is going into 11th grade at Schenectady High School. She has a passion for helping animals and has been trying out several employment options through New York State PROMISE. The PROMISE team, including her Case Manager Kenya Moore, is working with Audrey to identify her interests and develop skillsets that shell need in future employment opportunities.

Rikeime will be going into 10th grade at Schenectady High School this fall. The promise team in the capital region have been assessing his skills at numerous work sites in recent months. Theyre also using person-centered planning to connect Rikeime with opportunities that he is passionate about. Rikeimes love for cars combined with his strong work ethic and easygoing personality have opened the doors for him at an area of vehicle dealership.