SCSD/OCC Transition Program

Mission

The mission of the Syracuse City School District/Onondaga Community College partnership is to provide comprehensive academic, social and vocational experiences to advance each student's future plan for self-sufficiency and employability.

SCSD Transition at OCC

The SCSD/OCC Campus Based Partnership is a transition high school program housed at Onondaga Community College. This is a partnership with Onondaga Community College, college affiliated businesses, and Syracuse City Schools. Accepted Special Education students aged 18 and up are transferred from each of the 5 SCSD high schools to complete a 1-2 year program earning work-based learning hours in mentored on campus jobsites. On completion students earn one of these options:

• High school CDOS (Career Development Occupational Studies Credential)
• High school SACC (Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential)
• High school local diploma

 
The essential elements of the SCSD/OCC Partnership are:
 

Job Training Integrated within the School Day

Students will:

• train on entry-level job sites under mentors in the OCC Facilities Department or at American Dining Creation sites across campus 
• experience and observe supervisory, subordinate and coworker roles in several workplaces
• use online resources and job experience to broaden their skills, abilities and interests while practicing strong work habits
• practice functional academic skills for occupational success with digital tools, reading, math, creating resumes, completing applications and exploring the vocational curriculum
• receive frequent feedback on performance

Universal Foundation Skills

Students will:

• learn and practice independent Centro travel
• participate in daily discussions of job site challenges, self-evaluation and solutions
• practice positive skills and professional communication across settings
• have opportunities to lead peers on sites they are familiar with
• use technology to organize store and present data
• learn about and connect with adult service supports to help build independence and meet personal goals

Social engagement

Students will:

• use campus resources to stay active and connected to the young adult age group
• participate in campus activities, concerts, speaker and topic meetings
• use non-academic OCC student resources including the library, Lazer lounge, fitness center, clubs and activities
• host Service Learners and Human Service Interns as peer mentors