Advancing Opportunities, Inc. has announced a new program that will provide support to students with disabilities attending Mercer County Community College who are interested in pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM). Selected students with STEM-related majors will receive enhanced services to help them pursue their career goals.

Beginning in January 2018, students with disabilities who are identified for the program will be provided with individualized support to help them explore internships and/or career opportunities. Advancing Opportunities, a leader in disability services, will provide professional coaches who will work one-on-one with students to help them build self-advocacy skills, connect with employers, develop their resume, and practice interviewing skills. Each student will also receive an assistive technology consultation to identify tools that can increase independence and success in the workplace.

Plans for the program were initially developed between Advancing Opportunities and Mercer County Community College earlier this year, but a funder was needed to launch the program. The Investors Bank Foundation and the Roma Bank Community Foundation committed to provide two years of funding needed to launch the program and sustain it in its infancy.

“Ensuring all students have the support they need to achieve their career goals is a key component of our mission,” said Advancing Opportunities CEO Jack Mudge. “With the help of our professional career coaches and our assistive technology team, we are confident students with disabilities at MCCC can thrive in STEM fields. We look forward to seeing what they achieve.”

“Mercer County Community College is pleased to partner with Advancing Opportunities in providing additional support for our students with disabilities to achieve their dreams in STEM careers. We cannot do so without the financial support from the Investors Bank and the Roma Bank. We are very grateful for their investment in the future of our students, our county, and our economy. This partnership is another example how together we can make a difference,” said College President Dr. Jianping Wang.

Students with disabilities in STEM-related fields of study who are interested in participating in the career development program should contact the Mercer County Community College Center for Inclusion, Transition, and Accessibility to receive an application.