Transition Support for PWCS High School Graduates
Supporting PWCS graduate students as they transition to life after graduation is essential for their success. This resource page is designed to assist PWCS graduates in navigating their post-graduation journey by offering detailed guidance and resources in the following areas:
- Continued Learning Opportunities: Information on further education and professional development.
- Career Development: Resources to discover and thrive in your ideal profession.
- Financial Education: Financial aid resources and scholarship databases.
- Health and Mental Well-Being: Access to independent living resources and support for maintaining your overall health and mental well-being.
- Community Engagement: Ways to stay connected and involved with your community.
College or University |
Big Future: Complete Guide to Campus Tours
- Explore colleges, plan a visit, and envision yourself on campus.
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
- Programs of Study & Courses
- Program Finder
- Advance Program: Partnership between NOVA and George Mason University that gives NOVA students targeted, personalized support to complete their bachelor's degrees in a timely manner and save money.
ECPI University: A regionally accredited institution offering accelerated degree programs in technology, healthcare, business, criminal justice, and culinary arts. ECPI provides both online and on-campus options, allowing students to earn degrees quickly and conveniently.
Trade School & Apprenticeship |
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA): Workforce & Professional Development
ApprenticeshipUSA – U.S. Department of Labor
- Use the Job Finder to search and apply for apprenticeship opportunities nationwide, with each listing tagged to indicate if it's associated with a registered partner or occupation under the Office of Apprenticeship guidelines.
- What is Registered Apprenticeship?
- Explore Approved Occupations for Registered Apprenticeship
Virginia Department of Labor and Industry
- Registered Apprenticeship
- To get started today, find a registered apprenticeship consultant near you.
Financial Aid & Scholarships |
U.S. Department of Education – Federal Student Aid:
Navy Federal Credit Union
- How to Work with Your Financial Aid Office: A Student's Guide
- Negotiate College Financial Aid Packages
- College Living Expense Calculator
- Making Cents - Budget calculators, tools, and resources to help achieve your financial goals.
NOVA Financial Aid Video Library
Scholarship Databases:
Independent Living Resources |
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
- Driver's License Information – Application, renewal, replacement, eligibility, practice exams, change of name or address.
- ID Cards, permits, upgrading to a Real ID, license plates.
- Driver Training Schools
Passport Services
- U.S. Passport Service Guide: (Virginia facility locations, new passports, renewals, name change)
Social Security Administration
Transition Support Resources for Graduates with Disabilities |
The PWCS Special Education Department provides programs and services specifically designed to support students with disabilities in their transition from high school to adult roles. Visit the PWCS Special Education Department Career and Transition Services webpage and Transition Resources webpage for more information.
Health & Mental Well-Being |
Medicaid is a public health insurance program in the United States designed to provide coverage for low-income individuals and families. It was established in 1965 under the Social Security Act and is jointly funded by the federal and state governments.
Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
- VDH Community Resource Guide (PDF) – (Insurance locator, health access, pregnancy, hotlines, food-assistance)
Community Engagement |
Do Something is one of the largest global organizations for young people and social change Their 5.3 million members in 130 countries tackle volunteer campaigns that impact every cause.
E-Buddies promotes social inclusion online for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Guide Dogs of America provides guide dogs and instruction in their use, free of charge, to blind and visually impaired men and women from the United States and Canada.
Middleburg Humane Foundation's goal is to provide a safe haven for abused, neglected, and at risk animals, both large and small.
Prince William County Animal Shelter: Adult volunteers must be at least 18 years old. We have a teen volunteer program with limited activities for young people between the ages of 15 and 17.
Simple Changes Therapeutic Riding Center volunteers must be at least 14 years old and be able to walk briskly for two to three hours at a time. Volunteering at Simple Changes is about helping individuals with disabilities. Horse experience is welcome, but not required. We are happy to train volunteers to assist individuals with disabilities and to work with the horses.
Teenage writing, art, photos, and forums provides teens with an opportunity to publish creative work and opinions.
Volunteer Prince William offers volunteer opportunities in Prince William County.