2019 Your Next Star Academy Bootcamp
In June 2019, as part of the Your Next Star Academy, we launched our pilot “Bootcamp” program to prepare people with Down syndrome for competitive employment in the workplace. The bootcamp provided experiential training for aspiring employees with Down syndrome as a pathway for them to open and explore the world of competitive employment.
Day One
Learned the goals of the Bootcamp, developed a better understanding of interests and skills and gained interviewing skills.
Day Two
Participants identified interests, built on communication with peers, defined and practiced positive and effective communication, and developed SMART goals.
Day Three
Attendees learned how to combat change, built confidence, worked on teamwork, self-presentation at work, and strong customer service.
Day Four
Attendees worked with PWC on personal branding and strengthening their resumes.
Day Five
On the final day, attendees toured different businesses in the community, learned about different job requirements, strong resumes, planning for interviews, and how to transition to their internships.
Sample Daily Schedule
1.Daily Check-In (9:00-9:15)
2. SHEEP Exercise (9:15-9:45)
Learn how to make a good first impression.
3. Goal Setting (9:45-10:45)
Learn how to set realistic goals and how to stay on track to achieve them.
4. Break (10:45-11:00)
5. Ohhhh Puhhh-lease (11:00-11:15)
The impact and effect of non-verbal communication.
6. Flipping the Switch (11:15-11:45)
Learn what is acceptable and expected in different settings.
7. Kinetic Activity (11:45-12:00)
8. Lunch (12:00-12:30)
9. Developing Questions (12:30-1:00)
Questions to ask when exploring careers.
10.Peer Panel (1:00-1:45)
People with disabilities share their experience in the workplace.
11. Break (1:45-2:00)
12. What I Could Do (2:00-3:00)
Brainstorm possible career options based on your skills and interests.
13. Journaling (3:00-3:15)
14. Daily Reflections & Wrap Up (3:15-3:30)
Click here to learn more about experiences from our pilot Bootcamp
