By Erica Moore, Weakley County Schools
Dresden, Tenn.–Even early in the school year, the Transition School to Work Program at Weakley County Schools is already laying the groundwork to prepare students with unique needs for life beyond graduation. A recent and successful career fair highlights the program’s ongoing commitment to real-world experiences and skill-building, ensuring that all students are prepared for their next steps.
An initiative that has been in place for about five years, the Transition School to Work Program has evolved into a robust, hands-on resource that addresses a range of student needs and helps bridge the gap between school and the workplace. Whether it involves joining the workforce or pursuing further education, the program provides tailored support to prepare students for life after high school, ensuring they are ready well before graduation day.
“We’re not just checking boxes when it comes to preparing students for the future,” said Transition Case Manager Keith Douglas. “This program goes beyond traditional preparation methods and gives students real opportunities to explore their strengths, develop new skills, and experience what it’s like to be a part of the workforce—without the fear of barriers holding them back.”
Available districtwide, the program helps students identify strengths, overcome challenges, and build the confidence needed to thrive in professional environments. Beginning in middle school and continuing through high school, the program offers personalized support, including career coaching, practical life skills training, and firsthand exposure to local industries.
The Transition School to Work Program was instrumental in initiating the recent collaboration with the State’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Westview High’s Career Coach Christy Norton to organize a career fair that was open to all middle and high school students throughout the district. Hosted in the gymnasium at Westview, the event was well-attended by local and regional community partners representing businesses, organizations, industries, and higher education institutions. The career fair’s success in connecting students with employers and career paths showcases the program’s proactive role in turning high school experiences into real-world opportunities.
Throughout the school year, students in the program participate in a variety of workplace experiences, such as running a coffee cart at Dresden and Westview High Schools, labeling textbooks for the district’s CTE department, practicing work skills at local businesses such as grocery stores, and developing their interview techniques with area employers. They also have the opportunity to engage in a Pre-Apprenticeship and Youth Services (PAYS) Lab, an in-class work simulation environment designed to help them build and advance competencies from beginner to mastery across various career fields.
“We know that every student has a distinct set of skills to offer the world,” said CTE Supervisor Kandace Jackson. “The program allows us to recognize those strengths, fine-tune them, remove obstacles, and help students apply them in meaningful ways. It’s not about limitations; it’s about possibilities.”
Students are also introduced to the YouScience program, an online application that matches their natural aptitudes to potential career paths. Through AI technology and a series of brain games and activities, YouScience opens the doors to jobs that align with each student’s unique talents. Junior and Senior students are connected with Tennessee’s Vocational Rehabilitation services, an organization that can help further prepare them for post-secondary education or direct entry into the workforce.
“We’re proud of how this program puts our district’s values into action,” said Assistant Director of Schools Betsi Foster. “It’s about creating connections, breaking down barriers, and helping students grow into their future—whatever that might look like.”
The Transition School to Work team includes Case Manager Keith Douglas, Job Coach Hannah Arnold, and Workplace Readiness Specialists Lisa Hilliard, Lisa Tucker, and Kaitlyn Wright. Eligibility is determined through individualized plans designed to address the specific needs and goals of each student, ensuring that the support provided is as unique as the student themselves.
“We are incredibly grateful to our community partners for their support and collaboration,” Case Manager Keith Douglas acknowledged. “Their involvement is crucial in providing our students with these invaluable real-world experiences. Without their help, we wouldn’t be able to offer such impactful opportunities that help our students transition seamlessly into life after graduation. We have the best community partners that can be found.”
Eva Essary, Supervisor of Special Education Services for the district, believes the Transition School to Work Program empowers students to embrace their strengths and envision a brighter future.
“The program is a lifeline for students. Seeing them make real connections and build confidence is incredibly rewarding. This program helps them realize their potential and prepares them for a future where they can truly thrive. It’s a reminder of the positive impact we can have when we invest in each student’s individual journey,” said Essary.
For more about the Transition School to Work Program, contact Case Manager Keith Douglas at keith.douglas@wcsk12tn.net, and visit weakleycountyschools.com to learn more about our schools.