I wouldn’t be who I am today without LDS
Edward shares his story as a recent graduate of RISE TEAM. He previously received one-to-one specialized support and just completed a paid work experience to help prepare him for his future.
Learn MoreRISE TEAM
Do you know a teen with a learning difference who wants to enter the workforce but needs support and guidance to get there?
Who
Secondary students or young adults with learning differences, ages 15-21, who are looking for graduation and workforce transition support are welcome to apply to the program.
The program is ideally suited for teens who will be starting Grade 10, 11, or 12 in the Fall.
Where
RISE TEAM sessions are offered in-person or online via our interactive learning platform.
In-person sessions are available at our East Vancouver Learning Centre or in our North Vancouver Learning Centre.
When
Sessions are scheduled on a weekly basis on student and instructor availability. The length of the program is dependent on the needs of the individual student and is identified during the intake process.
Intake is rolling, so please apply now!
Program Description
RISE TEAM is specifically designed for teen students. It includes one-to-one explicit academic and workplace skills-based instruction to focus on the teen’s needs, interests, and abilities. The program includes a practical, paid work experience opportunity at LDS and is tailored to the individual student to meet their pre-employment skills and training needs.
RISE TEAM participants are paired with a specialized instructor who works with them to develop manageable and timely goals that can be met during the program, including:
- Identifying areas of skill and interest related to employment.
- Learning how to search and apply for jobs.
- Creating and tailoring resumes and cover letters for job applications.
- Interviewing skills and professional communication.
- Learning workplace expectations.
- Time management and financial literacy.
RISE TEAM participants complete eight weekly one-to-one sessions with their instructor to develop and meet their program goals. Participants will also complete a concurrent, paid work experience at LDS, where they learn to apply the skills they learned in their one-to-one sessions.
Apply Now
Program Highlights
The RISE TEAM program offers one-to-one instruction and support in the following areas:
- Development of employment documents (resume, cover letters).
- Identifying, applying to, and interviewing for employment opportunities.
- Communication skills.
- Time management and financial literacy.
- Mentorship and leadership training.
- Paid work experience opportunity.
Learn More About Our RISE TEAM
As part of the program, participants will also have the opportunity to apply and interview for a job at LDS, as part of building their employability skills. All participants will receive coaching and mentorship on all aspects of the application and interview process, and will have the opportunity to participate in a paid work experience at LDS as a Learning Centre Assistant or Program Assistant depending on their skill and interest. Paid work placements include 24 paid hours of work across 4-8 weeks that work around student school and extra curricular schedules.
RISE TEAM Resources
Catching Up with Hallie, a RISE TEAM Graduate
It’s been three months since Hallie, a 16-year-old high-school student from Fawkes Academy in Burnaby, was last at our East Vancouver Learning Centre, and a lot has happened since then. She is one of two RISE TEAM participants who, after having volunteered as junior leaders, were offered employment as Learning Centre Assistants last Fall. Hallie additionally had the opportunity to be part of the Early RISErs team as a Program Assistant. Working between 5-15 hours a week, she not only honed her professional skills but also worked on her interpersonal and social media skills and built confidence
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RISE TEAM: LDS’ Pre-employment program success!
The LDS mission is to empower all children with learning differences to recognize their unique strengths and develop the tools to achieve lifelong confidence and success. One way we do this is by helping teens with learning differences increase their graduation rates, skills, and work opportunities through our RISE TEAM program.
Learn MoreInstructors
Anisa Chaudhry
BEd, BSc, BC Certified Teacher, Diploma in Special Education
Case Manager & Instructor
Learn More 
Jennie Lum
BEd, BA, BC Certified Teacher
Case Manager & Instructor
Learn More 
Sofia Lopez Nakashima
MaSc, BSc
Case Manager & Instructor
Learn More 
Becky Bishop
MaSC, BEd
Lead Instructor & Adult Program Manager
Learn More 
Become a Donor
Funding for the 2022 program is provided by the United Way of British Columbia and the Ted Rogers Community Fund.
We would like to thank Disability Alliance of BC for their funding of our 2021 inaugural offering of RISE TEAM.
Donate Now Contact UsDiscover Similar Programs
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In our Research-informed Individualized Student Education at Home (RISE at Home) program, students across BC learn virtually via our secure online systems one-to-one with a qualified instructor through reading intervention, language-based learning, tutoring, and homework support.
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Thank you to our donors
Our donors play a vital role in sustaining our programming. We are so grateful for their continued support of children and youth in our community with learning differences.