Leadership, Education, Advocacy and Determination (LEAD) is a statewide program that has been funded by the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and administered by Heightened Independence and Progress (hip) since its inception in 1999.
LEAD is a unique personal and vocational skill building and mentoring program designed for high school students who function on grade level. The ultimate goal of the program is to assist young people in developing the skills necessary for a successful transition to adult life and employment through participation in a variety of experiential activities.
This program has contributed to the academic success with over 57% of LEAD participants successfully transitioning to college, while others advance on equally important paths toward employment achievements.
LEAD activities scheduled in previous years have included; vocational preparation, career exploration, money management, computer training, presentations by people with vision loss employed in a variety of careers, dressing for success, relationships, and other activities all geared toward the goals of self-sufficiency, independence, and employment success.
Moving forward, the LEAD Program will continue its partnership with CBVI in close cooperation with the Commission’s Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Counselors.
To learn more about LEAD or to request an application, please contact your CBVI Transition Counselor or Maria Perez, LEAD Coordinator, at (201) 996-9100.
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