Career and Transition Services

What We Offer

Real-World Experiences

CATS participants build problem-solving, communication, and networking skills through a blend of classroom learning and hands-on community experiences. We collaborate with local businesses and colleges to give exposure to real-world work and post-secondary education environments. Transportation is provided for off-campus learning opportunities during the school day.

Campus Work Training Centers

It’s an immense challenge for students to look toward their futures when basic needs like food and clothing aren’t being met at home. CATS eliminates barriers to success by operating campus-wide resources that address students’ needs and function as work training centers.

• Learning, Therapy & Production Garden: Our 7,500 sq. ft. garden is a versatile outdoor education space where students gain horticulture, landscaping, and culinary skills from plant to plate. It also provides therapeutic benefits through engaging sensory experiences.

• Villa Grocery: Our client-choice food pantry supports students and families facing food insecurity. Community donations keep our shelves full of healthy, non-perishable goods.

• Villa Shoppe: The Villa Shoppe offers clothing, housewares, school supplies, and other essentials donated from the community, at no cost to families. CATS students manage the store setup to provide a convenient and organized shopping experience.

• Laundry Facilities: Villa clients experiencing homelessness or unstable living situations have access to clean clothes through free use of our campus laundry facilities. Detergents and take-home laundry bags are provided.

• Snack Preparation and Delivery: Students assemble healthy snack packages daily and personally deliver them to Villa programs.

• Coffee Shop: Students take on barista roles in our newest work training center, learning to interact with customers, manage transactions, and maintain a clean and welcoming environment.

Resume and Interview Preparation

We offer personalized guidance to creating resumes that highlight strengths and experiences, along with training in interview techniques that build communication skills and boost confidence.

A Collaborative Approach

Career and Transition Services staff work closely with our Education Services teams to support students’ overall development and enrich their school experience. We align educational objectives with career readiness initiatives to facilitate a smooth transition from academic learning to practical skills application.

Benefits to Students

Students participating in the CATS program learn:

• Customer service
• Inventory management
• Budgeting
• Machine operations and processes
• How to stock and display items
• Responsibility
• Attention to detail
• Creativity
• Career paths consistent with personal interests and aspirations