Program Descriptions

The Transition team offers two programs at this time for students in their final year of high school. 

Gateway to Post-Secondary (GPS)

GPS is a part time course that commence each year in January and runs for 15 weeks.  It is a partnership with Vancouver Community College (VCC) and the VSB.  This course is designed to support successful transitions from secondary school, encourage access into the post-secondary system, and increase success for this group of learners.  Students attend the course at the downtown campus of VCC 3 days a week, and return to their Secondary school for the remainder of the week.  The course is comprised of both classroom activities and supported fieldwork.  A two week independent employment practicum is part of the program.  Employment practicums are facilitated and supervised by the VSB transition team. 

Gateway to Employment (GTE)

Gateway to Employment is an unpaid work experience from September to December, three days a week for four hours each day.  Two days a week, students explore social and recreational connections through a community connector and Vancouver Parks and Recreation.  VSB partners with an adult employment service agency to provide job coaching and supervision during work experience to support the transition to paid employment and facilitate community connections.  Intake for applications begins in the late fall of each year. 

Students must:

• have one or more of the following Ministry Categories: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, K
• be able to travel independently in the community
• be in their final year of Secondary school
• manage their medical and self-regulation needs independently or with consultative support
• have completed at least one successful independent work experience

Referral Process

Referrals must be submitted to the District Resource Teacher for Secondary Transition. There is parent/student information meeting in the late Fall of each year and application packages are given out at the meeting.  Students are accepted based on meeting criteria and on a first come first served basis.  

Capacity and Staffing

1 Teacher (case manager)

1 Work Experience Facilitator

10 students per program

Program Locations

GPS - part time at VCC

GTE - Community based (registered at Tupper - will not attend Tupper) VLN