Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP)
Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) is a career-focused mentoring program for students with disabilities between the ages of 14-21 that promotes family engagement and strengthens training for mentors, youth, and communities. Running 9 months during the school year, students can work individually with a mentor as well as alongside their peers in a group environment to learn about their own career interests while developing skills necessary to further their education and/or secure employment. We now offer a 16-week Summer Program in addition to our 9-month program.
ECNV is a Center for Independent Living led by people with disabilities who provide advocacy and services to people with disabilities in Northern Virginia.
Schedule:
RAMP will span 9 months during the 2025-2026 school year from September 2025 through May 2026!
This career-focused mentoring program is intended for at-risk youth with disabilities. RAMP is a nationwide program, and ECNV is the vendor offering it in Northern Virginia.
As this program is a longer-term program with a strong emphasis on individualized mentoring, we will continue to accept referrals through November 2025.
For questions, please contact Kevina Brown at kbrown@ecnv.org.
Session 2025-2026
** If a participant plans to be unavailable for part of this program, they can work with their mentor and the program coordinator to complete the program material.
Referral Deadline: October 31, 2025
Timeframe: September 2025-May 2026
September 2025: Onboarding and Orientation
October 2025: Phase One: Career Assessment
o Self- and career-based assessments
o Career preparation activities
o Introduction to Pathful Explore (Career exploration tool)
November 2025: Phase One: Community Mapping
o Exploring community resources & travel training
o Mock interviews with mentors, family, and friends
December 2025: Phase Two: Career Preparation
o Career research and exploration
o Job readiness activities & financial literacy
January 2026: Phase Two: Career Preparation
o Career research and exploration
o Job readiness activities
o Resumes
February 2026: Phase Two: Career Preparation
o Career research and exploration
o Job readiness activities
o Interviewing practice and skills
March 2026: Phase Three: Career Projects
o Job interviews with professionals
o Introduction to trades and apprenticeships
April 2026: Phase Three: Career Projects
o College 101: College life, requirements, applications, and financial aid
o Internships, volunteerism, and civic responsibility
o Career projects
May 2026: Phase Four: Transition
o Program and post-program career goal
o Program reflection
o Program and post-program career goal
o Transition plan and next steps
Program Curriculum:
The program will focus on building essential career skills, including resume writing, professional dress, office etiquette, and interview techniques. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in community events and activities, projects, such as volunteering or attending special events, further enhancing their skills and engagement with the community.
Students will identify their personal strengths, abilities, and interests, helping them gain a better understanding of themselves. They will also learn about their community, its benefits, and available resources. Additionally, students will gain knowledge of their rights and responsibilities related to their specific disability.
Participants will learn to:
Build skills and understanding around workplace readiness
Identify formal and informal supports
Understand key concepts in self-advocacy that can lead to a more successful career
Target Audience:
Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) is perfect for transition-aged students with disabilities who want to build a stronger foundation and a clearer understanding of their career choices as they transition to adulthood.
Accessibility & Accommodations:
The Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) will be held virtually and in the community. Participants will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone (or other electronic device with audio / visuals) to participate. Reasonable accommodation and computer access may be requested during the onboarding process. Community-based events will be physically accessible (wheelchair access, no steps, etc.) Any questions about the program or accessibility are welcome at info@ecnv.org.
How to Participate in the Program:
At this time, this program is only available to DARS clients receiving Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).
If you are interested in participating, please reach out to your DARS counselor, special education teacher, or Employment and Transition Representative (ETR) at their school for assistance.
For additional questions, please contact Kevina Brown at kbrown@ecnv.org
