Staple Programs Provide Social Skills That Lead to Success

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Afterschool Pathways and Pre-ETS programs.


Since The Choice  in 1998, our CEO, Chris Lavach makes sure every program reflects our mission of being a commitment to excellence in meeting our clients’ needs while respecting their individuality and right to make life choices. That can definitely be said about our Afterschool Pathways and Pre-ETS programs. 

The Afterschool Pathways program is a job readiness club that is a group service available to transition students and can take place in high schools, in the community and virtually. Focusing on pre-employment and the five core areas outlined in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA), activities can include career interest inventories, job exploration counseling, workplace readiness training to develop social and independent living skills, counseling on postsecondary education and training opportunities, instruction in self-advocacy, and financial literacy. Students finish the program with a digital portfolio that includes a resume, completed application and cover letter.

After completion of the Afterschool Pathways program most students go on to complete the Pre-ETS class.  The Pre-ETS class is 16 weeks of virtual meetings with young adults and social coaches who help with learning activities through the weeks. This class makes sure they have more support professionally. Zach, one of our employees, has been doing a wonderful job with this class. In his role Zach help students identify groups they identify with- gamers, actors, communities, etc. online then gives the skills necessary to participate in those social groups. Students will be given the strategies for dating, scheduling and maintain appointments, making friends, etc. They will leave with the skills to enter and exit break-room setting conversations. Zach has success in his graduates finding social groups outside of work to get involved in the community outside of the classroom.

The Choice Group has provided best practice transition services for over seventeen years and participates in model transition programs as an award-winning partner. Read more at our website. 


Location: Richmond, VA, USA

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