What high school staff need to know

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) offers two types of services for students with disabilities:

Introductory Career Services (ICS)

ICS helps students with disabilities get an early start in career planning, and is typically geared toward youth in 9th, 10th and 11th grade. School staff help students apply for ICS and then register for and complete courses that address unmet career development needs. These free online courses help students learn and explore within the five Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS):

  • Job exploration: Identify interests and explore potential career paths.
  • Work-based learning: Learn from professionals about different careers and workplaces.
  • Training and college exploration: Discover training programs, college options, and supports.
  • Workplace readiness: Gain essential skills like job application preparation and resume writing.
  • Self-advocacy: Develop confidence in decision-making and communicating personal needs.

How to help a student access ICS

School staff interested in helping high school students access ICS online classes can email VRS at vrs.studentclasses@state.mn.us to request an application packet. Once a student is enrolled in ICS, school staff will receive information on helping the student to register for classes.

Full Career Services (FCS)

FCS may serve as a "next step" for students with disabilities who are typically in 11th and 12th grade or 18-22 transition programming to receive more individualized career services in close partnership with schools. Services are based on each student's needs and may include, but are not limited to, any of the five Pre-ETS and other vocational rehabilitation services. FCS also includes planning for and implementing services after high school graduation to help with postsecondary education or training, finding a job, and keeping a job.

How to help a student access FCS

School staff interested in helping high school students access FCS can contact the VRS counselor assigned to your school to discuss the application process.

Additional Resources

E1MN

E1MN is a partnership between the Minnesota Departments of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Education (MDE) and Human Services (DHS) to advance Employment First outcomes for youth and adults with disabilities. The state agency partnership evolved from Minnesota's Employment First policy adopted by the Olmstead sub-cabinet in 2014.

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The VR program received 78.70% of federal fiscal year 2024 funding through grants from the U.S. Department of Education. The federal fiscal year 2024 grants totaled $52,850,455. The required state match for these funds is $14,299,999. The state of Minnesota appropriated $14.3 million to meet the match requirement.