DVR Celebrates Successful Summer Experience

Wilmington, Del. — The Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is celebrating the successful completion of its Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Summer Experience, an eight-week program that provided 31 participants from across Delaware with hands-on learning, career exploration, workplace readiness, and opportunities for self-discovery.

Launched this summer, the Summer Experience was designed to help participants explore their interests, build confidence, develop new skills, and gain exposure to a variety of career pathways and workplace environments.

Participants took part in meaningful learning opportunities with several State agencies, including the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT). These visits gave participants the opportunity to learn more about careers available within Delaware State government. Participants also explored career pathways through visits and activities with Delaware Technical Community College, Sussex Technical High School, the Junior Achievement Center, Polytech School of Aviation Maintenance, Goldey-Beacom College, and Social Bhive Productions. The program introduced participants to a broad range of career fields and skills, including financial literacy, basic video production, phlebotomy, nursing, skilled trades, aviation maintenance, social media content creation, welding, electrical work, small engine repair, and forklift procedures.

“Every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their strengths, explore their interests, and see a future filled with possibilities,” said Delaware Department of Labor Secretary LaKresha Moultrie. “DVR’s Summer Experience is doing exactly that by connecting students with hands-on experiences, career pathways, and opportunities to build confidence and skills. We are incredibly proud of these 31 participants and grateful to the DVR team and our partners for investing in their future and helping them recognize what they can achieve.”

Elisha Jenkins, Division Director of DVR, emphasized the importance of providing participants with opportunities to explore careers, prepare for the workplace, and envision their futures.

“I am thrilled our team hosted a variety of career exploration, post-secondary experiences, and workplace readiness opportunities during the 2026 Summer Experience. Observing the participants discover their potential affirms our mission to develop career pathways that link qualified employees to jobs resulting in greater independence. A huge thank you to our industry partners and the DVR team for inspiring the next generation of professionals and making this a success.”

Lashonta Mitchell, the New Castle County Transition Coordinator with DVR, spoke about the mission of the experience.

“The goal this summer was to provide a variety of career experiences, allowing youth to pivot, explore, and find the right fit for their future. Our mission was to match each participant’s unique curiosity with hands-on opportunities that unlocked their potential, and to ensure that no matter what a student’s background, there was an exploratory avenue that resonates with them… and this happened! I am glad to have been a part of serving our youth.”

Nadaa Chandler, the Kent-Sussex County Transition Coordinator with DVR, also highlighted the value of providing young people with opportunities to experience potential careers firsthand.

“The Summer Experience was an amazing opportunity for youth to explore potential employment opportunities. The hands-on experiences gave participants a glimpse into what a career in a particular field looks like, and what it takes to achieve that goal. Overall, this program was both beneficial and engaging and is something DVR plans to build upon and offer each summer for the foreseeable future.”

The Summer Experience also received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants and their families. Kristen McGinnis, the parent of a participant, shared the following reflection about their child’s experience:

“Thank you to the Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for giving Noah the summer we always dreamed of. This wasn’t just a summer program—it was an opportunity to discover talents, build confidence, and explore a future filled with possibilities. Noah had hands-on experience in small engine repair, aviation maintenance, social media content creation, welding, electrical work, and forklift procedures. Every instructor, mentor, and staff member made a lasting impact. You all absolutely nailed it. For families of children with special needs, hope is everything. This summer showed us that the future is bright, and Noah’s potential is limitless. Thank you for believing in him, investing in his abilities, and helping him see what he can achieve. Our hearts are full, and our gratitude is endless.”

As the Summer Experience concludes, DVR is looking ahead to building upon the success of its first year. The program’s 31 participants leave with new skills, greater confidence, and a stronger understanding of the educational and career opportunities available to them. The success of this program has created a strong foundation for the future, with DVR planning to build upon the program and its offerings in years to come.

“The opportunity for students to discover and experience what their future can hold is truly invaluable. This year’s summer experience activities brought that vision to life! We are so proud of our students — every single day, they showed up eager, motivated, and ready to learn. Their energy and commitment were inspiring! Our team is already excited for next year’s experiences and the new opportunities we’ll be creating for students across the state!” said Brenda Rodriguez, the Statewide Transition Coordinator for DVR.

Through continued hands-on learning and career exploration, DVR will continue working to empower young people with disabilities to explore their interests, recognize their abilities, and prepare for successful and fulfilling careers.

About the Delaware Department of Labor
The Delaware Department of Labor promotes a strong economy by empowering workers, job seekers and employers, ensuring safety and fairness in the workplace, cultivating a skilled workforce, and connecting Delawareans to employment, training, benefits and labor market information.

Media contacts: Jeffrey Powell, Jeffrey.powell@delaware.gov

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