INVEST Foundations and Explorations Certificate

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Overview

The Individualized Next Step Vocational Education and Social Skills Training (INVEST) Program is designed to address the unique academic and employment needs of post-secondary students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This program primarily serves school district Transition Students ages 18 to 22. INVEST students may earn a one-year Foundations Certificate or a two-year Foundations and Explorations Certificate. These are SVC certificates demonstrating pre-college skills, created in partnerships with local school districts.

SVC’s INVEST Program provides post-secondary access and ensures that students gain a variety of academic, employment, and life skills. The program provides integrated opportunities that include post-secondary education and training, academic enrichment, inclusive socialization and recreation, assistive technology, self-advocacy, independent living skill development, and career exploration. Students are also supported in connecting with community support resources, such as the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Bridges Program, and public transit travel training.

Certificate Requirements

The INVEST Foundations and Explorations Certificate is a two-year program (72 credits) in which students gain both employability skills and the opportunity to explore one or more areas of study through electives in integrated settings. Admittance is based on recommendations from the INVEST team and the student’s IEP team. Students complete a capstone project to be presented at the end of the year. The following classes are required for the two-year Foundations and Explorations Certificate:

Required Courses

INVEST Foundations Certificate

INV 011 - INVEST Orientation Credits: 1
INV 020 - INVEST Digital Literacy Credits: 5
INV 030 - INVEST Communication and Self-advocacy Credits: 4
INV 035 - INVEST Critical Thinking Credits: 2
INV 040 - INVEST Career Exploration Credits: 2
INV 045 - INVEST Interview Skills Credits: 2
INV 055 - INVEST Study Lab Credits: 5 (Credits: 4)
INV 064 - INVEST Business Technology Credits: 15 (Credits: 5)
INV 066 - INVEST Media and Journalism Credits: 15 (Credits: 5)
INV 067 - INVEST Leadership and Communication Credits: 15 (Credits: 2)
INV 068 - INVEST Customer Service Credits: 2
INV 090 - INVEST Capstone Credits: 2
Optional enrichment courses may be offered

INVEST Foundations and Exploration Certificate

INV 055 - INVEST Study Lab Credits: 5 (Credits: 9)
Course may require enrollment in multiple quarters.
INV 090 - INVEST Capstone Credits: 2
Electives Credits: 25