Pre-Employment Empowerment for New Jersey Youth, Ages 14–21 with Disabilities such as Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, and Learning Differences
Open the Path
Your future should feel like you.
Let’s build it your way.
One-on-one mentorship to help you explore careers, build skills, and gain confidence in your next steps.
Get StartedWhat Is Open the Path?
Open the Path helps New Jersey youth ages 14–21 explore what’s next after high school.
You’ll work one-on-one with a mentor who listens, adapts, and helps you plan for your future — at your pace, in your way.
🗓 Weekly or twice-weekly sessions on Zoom or Google Meet
🎨 Based on your interests and learning style
🎯 Focused on building confidence and independence
What You’ll Work On
We focus on five areas that help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
💡 Job Exploration
Discover what interests you and what kinds of jobs match your strengths.
🧩 Workplace Readiness
Build daily routines, communication tools, and stress strategies for success.
🗣 Self-Advocacy
Practice sharing what you need and how you work best — in your own way.
🧭 Pre-Vocational Skills
Learn organization and planning tools that help you stay on track.
🎓 Vocational Guidance
Explore training programs, certifications, or schools that fit your goals.
Who Its For:
Open the Path is for New Jersey youth (ages 14–21) connected with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS).
You may qualify if you have:
- Anxiety or Depression
- ADHD or Autism
- Learning Differences
- Developmental Disabilities
- Or if you use AAC or other communication supports
If you’re creative, curious, or still figuring things out — you belong here
What Makes Open the Path Different
🌱 You’ll always work one-on-one with a mentor who listens
💬 You set your own goals — we help you build toward them
🎨 You can bring your interests — art, tech, writing, design — into your sessions
🧠 We focus on strengths and individual needs
💗 Emotional safety comes first, because your confidence grows when you feel understood
How It Works:
1️⃣ Connect
Fill out your contact information we will connect with you to fill out the application together OR talk with your DVRS counselor about joining Open the Path.
2️⃣ Match
Meet your mentor and talk about what you want to focus on.
3️⃣ Start
Begin meeting weekly or twice-weekly online.
4️⃣ Grow
Celebrate small wins and track your progress.
No pressure. No rush. Just steady growth at your pace..
FAQs
Do I need a disability to join?
I’m parenting / dealing with court / caring for family. Can I still do this?
Is this only online?
How fast can I get a job?
Ready to Open Your Path?
If you’re 14–21 and live in New Jersey, you may be eligible for free Pre-ETS services through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS).
We’ll walk by your side through every step — from doing the paperwork to meeting your mentor.
