Exploring Possibilities: How RAMP is Guiding Youth with Disabilities Toward Their Futures
The Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) is more than a mentoring program, it’s a launchpad for young people with disabilities to explore, dream, and build a path toward meaningful futures. A career-focused initiative designed for students aged 14 to 21, RAMP supports youth in identifying their career interests and developing real-world skills for education and employment. The program runs nine months during the school year, with an additional 16-week Summer Program, providing year-round support and engagement.
What makes RAMP especially impactful is its emphasis on family involvement, community connection, and hands-on learning. Through one-on-one mentoring and peer group sessions, students not only develop their resumes and interview skills but also cultivate the confidence and curiosity they need to thrive.
At the heart of this effort is Kevina Brown, who has served as RAMP Coordinator for the past two years and received the 2025 RAMP Coordinator Award presented by The Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL). With passion and purpose, Kevina has made career exploration tangible by organizing educational visits and outreach activities at a diverse range of workplaces, cultural centers, and community organizations across Northern Virginia and the DC Metro area.
Real-World Exploration: Where RAMP Has Taken Students
Under Kevina’s leadership, RAMP students have had the opportunity to visit and learn from an impressive variety of locations, including:
Enabled Intelligence and MasterCard, for a look into careers in tech, data, and finance
Amazon Skills Center, where students explored tech training and employment pathways
George Mason University’s Mason LIFE Program, offering a glimpse of inclusive postsecondary education
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee Shop and Sweet Jake’s Ice Cream, businesses known for inclusive employment practices
Hybla Valley and Vienna Community Centers, spaces for leadership and community engagement
Lorton Fire Station, to learn about public safety and emergency services
National Law Enforcement Museum, Air & Space Museum, and the inspiring Planet Word and Museum of Failure, all providing perspective on history, innovation, and communication
Nationals Baseball Game, giving students a sense of teamwork, fun, and sports career options
Hire Autism and Virginia Williams High School Career Association, which provided targeted career prep and disability-friendly job exploration
Second Story, supporting youth services and transitional planning
Long Meadow Farm, where students can learn about agriculture, animal care, and sustainable practices
Cardboard Regatta, a fun, hands-on STEM and team-building event
National Engagement and Leadership
Kevina has also gained exposure at the national level where she joined peers from across the country at:
The IEL RAMP Conference 2023 in Washington, DC
The IEL RAMP Conference 2024 in Atlanta, GA
These gatherings gave Kevina the chance to connect, learn from mentors, share their experiences, and celebrate the journey.
The Power of Mentorship and Opportunity
With Kevina Brown’s guidance and the strong support of families, local partners, and employers, RAMP is transforming how students with disabilities prepare for life after high school. Whether through visiting a fire station, engaging with a university, or learning about workplace expectations, each step helps students better understand themselves and the possibilities that await them.
As RAMP continues to grow and evolve, the message is clear: young people with disabilities have limitless potential when given the right tools, encouragement, and opportunities.
For more information, Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) — ECNV or email Kevina Brown at kbrown@ecnv.org
Thank you Kevina, for everything you do and continue to do for ECNV and RAMP participants!!
