From North Carolina to Everywhere: How EDSI’s Pre-ETS Team is Strengthening Workforce Readiness Nationwide

Jill Monte · Dec 01, 2025

Every young person deserves the chance to step confidently into the workforce — and at EDSI, we know those first steps often begin with the right kind of guidance and training. Through our Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) programs, we’re helping students discover their strengths, build workplace skills, and find meaningful career paths that fit their goals and abilities.

Expanding Support Across State Lines

In recent months, our North Carolina-based Pre-ETS team has expanded beyond its home region to support EDSI programs across the country — including those in Michigan and Connecticut. This collaborative model ensures that every location, no matter its size or staffing level, can deliver high-quality, consistent programming that changes lives.

Empowering Youth with Practical Career Skills

Pre-Employment Transition Services are designed to help students — particularly those with disabilities or from under-resourced backgrounds — build essential job-readiness skills such as communication, professionalism, and interview preparation. EDSI’s Pre-ETS facilitators also provide opportunities for hands-on learning, like job shadows, resume workshops, and career exploration activities.

Why This Work Matters

Two national data points highlight why this work is so critical:

In 2023, fewer than 40 % of individuals with disabilities ages 16–64 were employed, even though many are capable and motivated to work. (Hechinger Report)
Youth and young adults with disabilities are much less likely than their peers to complete high school, enter post-secondary education, or secure employment — and are more than twice as likely to live in poverty. (Institute for Educational Leadership)

Delivering Measurable Results and Consistent Quality

That’s where EDSI steps in. Our Pre-ETS team partners closely with local workforce boards, schools, and community organizations to ensure participants receive high-quality, consistent services — no matter which location they’re in.

Under the leadership of Pre-ETS Program Director Scott Levine, the team has stepped in to support regions facing instructor shortages or needing temporary coverage to meet grant requirements. In Michigan, for example, Facilitators Hannah Leicht and Lisa Rigsbee partnered with the Macomb-St. Clair Youth Program to deliver an engaging career readiness boot camp for youth in foster care. In Connecticut, Facilitator Hannah Brown led a three-week Career Accelerator Program (CAP) cohort that combined virtual and in-person instruction.

Meeting Programs Where They Are

“At EDSI, we believe in meeting programs where they are,” Hannah explains. “If you have participants who need pre-employment training, or you need someone to step in while your instructor role is filled, we can design the program, deliver it, and help you meet your goals.”

“Working with the Pre-ETS team was an outstanding experience. While they already possessed a sizable library of workshops, they went above and beyond by meeting with me to understand our specific needs during a contract transition. The result was a customized workshop series that was a perfect fit for our area. Hannah and her team were the standouts, demonstrating a remarkable ability to forge genuine connections with the youth. They balanced informative content with clear, compassionate support, making a real impact.”

Cristine Robson, Youth Program Administrator

Building Confidence, Connection, and Career Readiness

Beyond logistics and outcomes, the heart of this work is about belief — belief in every student’s potential and the power of connection. EDSI’s Pre-ETS approach blends flexibility with consistency: custom-tailored curricula that meet local needs while maintaining our organization’s signature standard of excellence. This alignment allows every participant to experience a sense of progress and purpose, no matter where their journey begins.

Learn More and Get Connected

If your region or organization could benefit from experienced Pre-ETS facilitators or collaborative programming support, our team is ready to help. Visit our Pre-ETS page to learn more: EDSI Pre-ETS – https://www.edsi.com/solutions/pre-ets.