Curriculum and Course Description

During the first two semesters, students remain together as a cohort. Once completing our core curriculum and the internship process begins, students then have the option of taking other non-credit or credit classes.

Basic Computer Skills

This computer skills curriculum is designed for teaching basic computer skills, Microsoft programs, and Social Media awareness to the students. The curriculum uses visual aids, practical application and performance based assessments to help students navigate basic computer functions, become aware of potential risk when searching the web, and becoming familiar with using Microsoft programs to create documents, Power Points, and visuals. 

Creative Technology for the Workplace

This course introduces students to real-world applications of creative technology in modern workplaces. Through hands-on learning, students will develop essential digital skills in areas such as web design, artificial intelligence, video production, branding, and entrepreneurship. By the end of the course, students will have created a digital portfolio showcasing a logo, a simple business concept, a branded product (e.g., t-shirt), and sample multimedia content to support employment or self-employment opportunities.

Customer Service 

This course is designed to acquaint students with the components of successful customer service as those components might apply to a variety of entry level positions in local businesses. The components of a successful customer service program most often taught to employees include: telephone etiquette, trust and rapport building, active listening skills, problem solving, defusing anger, stress control, email etiquette, managing customer expectations, goal setting, and creating customer loyalty.

Employment Readiness

This course is designed to prepare students for success in the workplace by developing essential skills needed for obtaining and maintaining employment. Students will build confidence through guided instruction and practice in areas such as interviewing, workplace communication, professional behavior, and social interaction. The course also addresses real-world challenges related to job retention and helps students develop transferable skills that are useful both on the job and in everyday life. Emphasis is placed on hands-on learning, role-playing, and workplace simulations to ensure students are well-prepared for future employment opportunities.

Financial Literacy 

This course is designed to help students develop essential math and money management skills needed for daily living and workplace success. Students will strengthen their understanding of basic math operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, rounding, and estimating, while applying these skills in real-life situations. Key topics include time management, tracking work hours, counting money, budgeting, and safely using tools like ATM cards and checks. The course emphasizes practical, hands-on learning to promote confidence and independence in both personal and professional settings.

Foundations of Independent Living & Life Skills

This course is designed to equip students with disabilities with the essential skills needed for greater independence at home, in the community, and in the workplace. Through interactive lessons and hands-on activities, students will develop practical abilities in areas such as personal hygiene, home and money management, time management, communication, self-advocacy, safety awareness, and decision-making. Students will also explore topics related to community resources, workplace behavior, and social-emotional skills to help them build confidence and prepare for adult responsibilities. The course provides a supportive learning environment that promotes autonomy, problem-solving, and real-world application of life skills.

Intro to Workforce (College Basics)

This course is designed to help students navigate college resources and develop the foundational skills needed for workplace success. Students will explore their personal interests, strengths, and preferences as they relate to academic, career, and life goals. Through guided activities and exposure to various aspects of college and work environments, students will gain insight into potential career paths, develop self-advocacy skills, and learn how to make informed decisions about their educational and professional journeys.

Self-Determination & Advocacy

This course is designed to empower students with the skills and confidence to make informed choices and take control of their lives. Students will explore the principles of self-determination, including goal setting, decision-making, and personal responsibility, as they relate to school, work, home, and community life. In addition, students will develop self-advocacy skills to effectively communicate their needs, preferences, and rights in various settings. Through guided instruction, role-playing, and real-world practice, students will learn how to participate meaningfully in planning meetings, assert their independence, and navigate systems and resources with greater confidence and autonomy.

Vocational Externship I, II, III, & IV

The PSE Vocational Externship is training-related work or practical experience within BRCC which is: (1) formally part of the PSE program; (2) based upon a preplanned outline of experience/skills to be acquired; (3) an application of previously studied knowledge and skills; (4) formalized through a signed agreement between the institution and community business partner; (5) systematically supervised by a PSE staff member at the institution and the externship site; and (6) evaluated by both the on-site supervisor and the institution’s staff member based on established criteria.

Paid employment will be sought for all PSE students entering the second year of their PSE training, but is NOT guaranteed.

Vocational Internship I, II, III, & IV 

The PSE Vocational Internship is training-related work or practical experience which is: (1) formally part of the PSE program; (2) based upon a preplanned outline of experience/skills to be acquired; (3) an application of previously studied knowledge and skills; (4) systematically supervised by a PSE staff member at the institution and the internship site; and (5) evaluated by both the on-site supervisor and the PSE staff member based on established criteria.

Workplace Safety 

This course is designed to help students recognize and respond to safety risks in both workplace and school environments. Students will learn how to identify common workplace hazards, understand their rights on the job, and practice general health and safety skills that apply across various employment settings. The course also covers how to handle emergency situations such as fires, injuries, and unsafe working conditions, and encourages students to speak up effectively when concerns arise.

In addition to workplace safety, students will learn how to stay safe on campus. This includes understanding procedures for weather-related emergencies (e.g., hurricanes or tornadoes), fire drills, and active shooter situations. Students will be introduced to safety protocols, how to recognize warning signs, and how to follow emergency communication plans. Emphasis is placed on building confidence and situational awareness in order to promote safety and preparedness at school, work, and in the community.

 *Optional/future classes at the discretion of the PSE staff

Customer Service II
This course is designed to further acquaint students with the components of successful customer service as those components might apply to a variety of entry-level positions in local businesses. In addition, this course picks up where the first part of the program leaves off featuring video modeling and peer mediation.

Financial Literacy II
Much like Financial Literacy I, this course is designed to prepare students for basic Math skills used in a variety of settings such as work and home. This class will serve as a continuation of the skills covered in the first course.

Office Specialist I & II
These classes will simulate working for a company that designs and creates a wide variety of business documents for its clients. The student will learn how to create any kind of document that a real-world business might need, from business cards and letterhead, to an employee database and an informational slide show. They will use critical thinking and decision-making skills to plan, create, revise, and produce a wide variety of real-world documents.