Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) hosted a roundtable discussion on May 6 to facilitate the launch of a Transition Center to support students with disabilities to develop career and technical education (CTE) skills that will enhance their transition into the workforce and independent life after high school.
Local and state political leaders, nonprofit and local government partners, neighboring school divisions and members of the LCPS leadership team, special education teachers and transition specialists discussed strategies to support the creation of the new educational center.
“The LCPS Transition Center shows our commitment to empowering students with disabilities to reach their fullest potential. The Transition Center is not simply a new program - it is a clear demonstration of our continued and unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion and empowerment for all students. We’re incredibly grateful for the support of our community partners and our state legislators who recognize the importance of investing in this programming,” said LCPS Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence.
“Students with disabilities often face significant barriers to accessing career training. The LCPS Transition Center will equip students with marketable skills, enhancing their employability once they leave LCPS,” said Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Tedra Richardson.
The Transition Center will serve high school students with disabilities or students who have earned an applied studies or standard diploma but are under 22 and still eligible for educational instruction through LCPS. These students will receive hands-on instruction in a variety of career fields as well as lessons connected to the soft skills essential for workplace success. Career exploration will also be available for middle school students with disabilities to aid in their transition to high school. CTE teachers, special education teachers, vocational evaluators and job coaches will provide instruction, and additional staff will provide student and administrative support to help meet the diverse needs of participating students.
The Transition Center is slated to open in the 2026/27 school year with an initial enrollment of 100 students. By its fourth year of operation, the Transition Center hopes to enroll a maximum of 500 students.*
The new Transition Center will enhance the existing transition services offered by LCPS. Currently, students participate in transition programs in their schools and in programs such as Communities and Schools Together (CAST), Project SEARCH and Start on Success (SOS), which place students at partner businesses for on-the-job training and instruction. Through the school system’s ongoing collaboration with business and nonprofit partners, these programs will continue to be offered.
*The opening date for the Transition Center has been updated to the 2028/29 school year, dependent on several factors, including permits and construction progress.