610 North Hooper
Kingsford, MI 49802
(906) 774-5718
Toll Free: (866) 774-5718
trico@tricoopp.com
Vocational Rehabilitation and
Skill Building Services
Serving Dickinson and Iron Counties in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Marinette and Florence Counties in Wisconsin
S.T.E.P. Summer Program
Producing Results
Since TRICO piloted the Summer S.T.E.P. Program for students in 2016, we’ve seen 75+ participants gain valuable work skills that will directly impact their future employment successes. TRICO’s objective is to provide structured soft skills and prevocational training together with actual work experiences with local employers to help bridge the gap between school and long-term employment. Programming is scheduled June through August each year. For several previous S.T.E.P. participants, the end result of the program was a community-based job!
Get Paid to Participate!!
Students who participate in the second half of STEP and Post-STEP get paid minimum wage for their work at a community placement.
Dickinson County
Iron County
Criteria for Participation in S.T.E.P.
· Coverage of the costs for the students’
participation in the Program, and the related skills can be authorized and majority are paid for by Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and other funding sources are also accepted.
· To be approved and Authorized for participation, students must present a Social
Security Card/number and a state-issued ID or driver’s license for enrollment with MRS.
· Participation in the TRICO program requires a social security card and state-issued ID.
· For more information on enrollment in S.T.E.P., please contact TRICO.
· Workshops are held at the Kingsford location as well as a virtual option for those that are unable to travel.
· Worksite placements are available in both Dickinson and Iron Counties.
· O’Net testing is used for skills and aptitude assessments.
· The Summer S.T.E.P. Program is part of TRICO Youth Services programming as part of ongoing student transitions training.
Three levels of S.T.E.P.
Three different levels of programming have been developed to meet the varying needs of students’ identified skill levels and ages to maximize benefits to the participants. MRS and TRICO Staff collaborate to determine which level is appropriate for each student’s needs:
I. Pre-S.T.E.P. Sophomores
II. S.T.E.P. Juniors and Seniors
III. Post-S.T.E.P. Juniors and Seniors
I. Pre-S.T.E.P.
Who can participate: Sophomores or anyone who may experience barriers to future employment. Students receive 1 week (8 total hours in June) of Community and Life Skills. This program is a pre-cursor to S.T.E.P. and compliments TRICO “Hands On” programming during the school year. Transportation is provided by TRICO for the guided field trips.
II. S.T.E.P.
Who can participate: Juniors and seniors who may experience barriers to future employment. The workshop includes a rotation of five different classes within a 2 week period. This is designed to accommodate students who may have obligations with other activities during the summer. The workshop training curriculum is compiled of 5 different areas that will help the student learn basic skills from self-advocacy to gaining employment and skills on the job. The worksite experience segment is designed to allow students to apply newly learned skills and actual work experiences under the supervision of S.T.E.P. coaches and local employers. S.T.E.P. takes place from June-August.
General Schedule for S.T.E.P.
Weeks #1 through #2 (June, 10 total hours):
Students meet at their local TRICO facility 4 times a week and work on Skill-Building activities and lessons such as:
· Self-Advocacy
· Resume/Interview/Application Skills
· Job Readiness-Soft skills
· Safety at home and in the work place
· Financial skills and understanding
Students have an option of a 2 week period where these courses are taught. This allows the students the option of taking the courses that best fit their summer schedule.
Students are also guided on field trips to community-employer sites (examples may include First Aid/Fire Safety and the Police K-9 Unit). Transportation is provided by TRICO for the guided field trips.
Jul-Aug, (20 total hours):
Students are matched with local employer worksites that complement their identified interests and aptitudes. Students work variable hours and days for worksite placements, gaining valuable experience and feedback on performance. A paycheck will be given equivalent to minim wage. Transportation to and from the worksites is provided by TRICO.
III. Post-S.T.E.P.
Who can participate: Students that are juniors and seniors who have completed S.T.E.P. (and/or the equivalent of the Workshop training). Beginning in June, students receive up to 100 total hours (based on business needs, student preference, and sponsoring agency’s advisement) of placement at community worksites with local employers. TRICO staff coordinate the worksite placements according to the students aptitudes, interests, and career goals. Students and/or Parents/Guardians are expected to arrange transportation to and from those sites. A paycheck will be given equivalent to minim wage.
