Prosper Program at Abilities, Inc. at The Viscardi Center

PROSPER (People Reaching Opportunities to Succeed Personally, Educationally, and Realistically) is an At-risk Youth Attendance Retention program offered by Abilities, Inc. at The Viscardi Center and focuses on improving attendance and self-esteem and encourages high school students to gain an understanding of the relevancy of education as it relates to the world of work.

The program is a unique partnership between colleges/universities, high schools and local businesses and industries. It incorporates career assessments, career guidance, counseling and tutoring related to students’ short and long-range vocational interests. The pre-vocational component is supplemented by a community-based work experience. Students tour numerous college campuses, in preparation for selection of career choices, and participate in peer mentoring/shadowing experiences. They also gain career knowledge and exposure to various jobs through weekly tours of local businesses.

Highly successful, the majority of the students who complete the PROSPER program attend college, enroll in vocational training or secure employment upon graduation.