Goodwill Work Readiness Bootcamp supports 590 Maine high school students with disabilities

Goodwill NNE serves 590 students across Maine through the Goodwill Work Readiness Bootcamp Program funded by the Maine Department of Labor’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The rapidly growing “Bootcamp” program helps students with disabilities with their post-high school plans in partnership with counselors from DVR and DBVI. 

“In my experience, the earlier people with disabilities learn about the world of work, the sooner they explore their options, explore their interests,” said Bootcamp Senior Program Manager, Emma Richard. 

Work Readiness Bootcamp participants learn essential job skills in their high school classrooms before graduation day. Career advisors come into the schools and teach a combination of soft and hard skills – with a focus on how they relate to employment – to help prepare students for the transition following high school. Courses include basics like resume writing and financial literacy, and soft skills like professional communication.

“Finding and maintaining employment can be challenging — even more so for people with disabilities,” Richard said. “Teaching soft skills is extremely important for our clients’ long-term success. We help clients build a foundation that can be applied to any career field in the future.”

A work readiness program with an individualized approach

Bootcamp uses an individualized approach in a small group setting. This allows the career advisor to focus on the students’ interests, employment knowledge and aspirations while applying the curriculum to meet individual needs. Students learn a variety of skills including goal setting, stress management, conflict resolution, self-advocacy, and resume and cover letter writing. Career advisors also teach about disclosure and accommodations, workplace rights and other useful subjects. 

Bootcamp participants can also take part in informational interviews, job shadows, and work-based learning experiences. The disability service for students is free to participants and schools, making it more accessible.  

Goodwill began offering Bootcamp in fall of 2020 and started by serving 25 students in four schools. The program saw lots of success and rapidly grew each year. Most recently it expanded into Southern Maine. 

As of fall of 2024, Bootcamp serves 590 students in 76 schools across Maine from Jackman to Pittsfield and Camden to Kittery.  

The expansion into Southern Maine, or Region 1, added 24 new schools, including Baxter Academy for Technology and Science, Bonney Eagle High School, Cape Elizabeth High School, Gorham High School, Kennebunk High School, Portland High School, Sanford High School, Thorton Academy, Yarmouth High School and more. 

Bootcamp has an impact

Having a work readiness program for high schoolers who have a disability in Maine is already proving to have an impact on participants. Both Evan Hall and Katherine Nolette were able to set career goals for themselves while participating in Bootcamp.

Evan Hall has cerebral palsy and hadn’t thought much about working until he participated in Bootcamp.

“Bootcamp opened up opportunities for me,” Evan said. “They also prepare us to work and help us find the best job based on our abilities.”

Evan’s goal is to be a wheelchair tester.

“People who have disabilities are capable of working and contributing to their communities,” said Richard. “Bootcamp teaches hundreds of students each year how to achieve their work and life goals.”

To learn more about Bootcamp, visit the Disability Services page on our website.   

The Maine Department of Labor’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired contracts Goodwill Northern New England to provide Bootcamp, a work-readiness program for high schoolers with disabilities. For more information visit www.maine.gov/rehab/