Tommy Nobis Academy Graduates Excel with Assistance from GVRA

Caption

ATNC students enjoy learning at a state-of-the-art facility at 240 Interstate North.

After two years of planning, the Academy at Tommy Nobis Center (ATNC) accepted its first cohort of students with disabilities in July of 2023. Thanks in part to the financial assistance it receives from GVRA, every six months the academy continues to produce a new cohort of students who are workforce ready.

“The longstanding partnership between GVRA and Tommy Nobis Center has been extremely valuable in the development of The Academy program,” said Liz Simmons, director of programs for the Tommy Nobis Center. “Our staff worked closely with GVRA leadership to ensure the program structure was aligned with applicable service definitions which allowed GVRA to provide funding support for the program.” 

The Academy is a six-month accelerated vocational training program designed to provide education and life skills young people with disabilities need to enter the workforce and to succeed.

GVRA’s support of the Academy isn’t just financial 

GVRA’s financial reimbursement for services offered through ATNC provides support for the sustainability of the program and offers opportunities for participants to access additional resources through GVRA. For instance, the center has a couple of participants who were able to obtain drivers licenses as well as additional post-secondary educational support because of the arrangement. 

Students who are accepted into the program participate in a yearlong curriculum.  “During the first three months, students are immersed in a curriculum-based vocational training program,” Simmons stated.  “After that phase, students enter a three-month internship that provides community-based guidance.  Once that formal training is complete, the Academy offers six months of employment support for students who have obtained jobs.”

The financial support every student at ATNC receives through GVRA is significant, with most supplements falling between 55 percent and 60 percent of the full cost of the program. 

Academy students receive classroom instruction, jobsite exposure

In addition to classroom training, students at the Academy are afforded multiple opportunities to tour jobsites. All students are required to complete a three-month “on-the-job” internship related to their career pathway.  According to Simmons, Academy graduates have landed jobs at some well-known companies, including Embassy Suites and Culver’s restaurants, among others. 

“The Academy takes a holistic approach to training,” explained Simmons.  “Not only do we offer traditional skills training, but we also teach soft skills such as self-advocacy, building confidence, and effective communication.  Our students learn to interact with co-workers and to develop their resumes.  Academy staff take the students to K&G Fashion Superstore, so they can see what business attire is considered appropriate for job interviews.  We conduct mock interviews which give students opportunities to answer questions posed by interviewers,” she said.   

Supported employment services contribute to students’ overall success 

During the supported employment phase of the training, each student is assigned to an employment specialist.  “The employment specialist checks in with the student’s parents and supervisors to determine if additional supports are needed,” Simmons shared.  “At that time, Academy staff are concurrently engaging with GVRA staff via monthly meetings. If a student needs a change in service delivery, Academy staff and GVRA staff work together to ensure appropriate alternatives are implemented.  We hope the Academy’s training program will be replicated throughout the country.” 

When asked about the partnership between ATNC and GVRA, Executive Director Chris Wells said, “Our support of students at the Academy at Tommy Nobis Center goes beyond referrals and reimbursement for services. GVRA staff participate in a monthly meeting during which all ATNC students in the current cohort are discussed.  The meetings help ensure a great system of care for our shared clients.”

To learn more about the Academy at Tommy Nobis Center, please visit www.tommynobiscenter.org

Related to: 

• Success Story