Advocating for the needs and success of individuals with disabilities is what Services, Training and Research for Independence and Desired Employment, or STRIDE, the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, or RCPD, a unit of University Health and Wellbeing, and Michigan Rehabilitation Services, or MRS, are all about. In a collaborative effort, all three programs have come together to develop the Building Opportunities for Spartan Success, or BOSS, program on MSU’s campus that offers students with disabilities the opportunity to engage in industry-related jobs.
BOSS is a two-part program that involves 10 weeks of employment and 15 weeks of weekly classes. The first part offers students work experience in industry-related jobs, and the second part supplies them with the tools to develop professional skills while on the job.
Tanya Adams, RCPD’s vocational rehabilitation counselor and program originator, explains that “BOSS is more than just an accommodation. This program is about recognizing identities.”
“A common challenge among students is the tough transition when entering the workforce without experience in a job related to their field. This program maximizes opportunities for students that participate.”
Photo courtesy of MSU BOSS Program student
The initial process for a student to get involved starts with a student learning about the program from an RCPD specialist. From there, the RCPD specialist opens an MRS case and discusses areas of interest with the student. After finding out what a student is interested in and what they want to do within their major, the student is referred to the MSU STRIDE Center. From there, STRIDE develops campus placements related to the career they want to pursue. As of this semester, six students are currently enrolled in the program. BOSS places students all over campus, and these students currently work at the Broad College of Business, College of Education, Department of Animal Science, Infrastructure Planning and Facilities, and James Madison College.
The STRIDE Services Manager and BOSS program manager, Aliza Lambert, notes that MSU has been receptive to the program.
“After the 10-week program, some supervisors even decide to directly hire the students as employees without the support of the BOSS program.”
Once placed in a job, students also engage in a weekly class where staff members bring up relevant topics related to work experiences. Some topics will cover resume writing, interview skills, time management and various soft skills. The classes also serve as a space for students to ask questions and receive peer-to-peer advice on personal work experiences.
Photos courtesy of MSU BOSS Program student
Isabel Guerra, the BOSS program coordinator and graduate research assistant at STRIDE, notes that “not every college student can say that they have had a job specific for their major. Once a student finds a job placement that fits their interests, the program helps students build their skills and boost their confidence in obtaining a job.”
The BOSS program is flexible and can accommodate student needs to fit their interests. BOSS staff members and collaborators hope to expand their network and continue to build relationships across campus. The program also hopes to increase its numbers and become widely accessible to students. Although it is still relatively new, only in its second year, it is a successful connection for preparing students to go out into their careers with the skills they need to succeed in the workplace.