Successful Pathways to Employment for youth at Risk – SUPER: a Career, Educational and Vocational Transition Program

The purpose of this site is to strengthen professionals, employers, family members and members of the community in order to advance work integration for a range of at-risk populations.

Specifically, it was created to share knowledge regarding what is being done in Israel and around the world, including materials, evaluations and activities developed by researchers and professionals, faculty members at Haifa University, as well as by occupational therapists engaged in fieldwork in various projects in this area. The main project, which constitutes the cornerstone of this site, continued for five years and included the creation of an evidence-based intervention program that prepares at-risk youth for the transition from high school to employment. The novel program has being applied and examined in Hebrew speaking schools (7), and Arabic speaking schools (2). Most of it has being translated to English.

We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the Hymen T. Milgrom Trust and the University of Chicago who, understanding the importance of integrating youth from various backgrounds into the world of work and desirous of furthering efforts in this area, graciously funded the project and the current site.

Work integration has great value in the lives of adults as a significant activity that enables personal development, personal welfare, and livelihood. Working can also provide individuals with a regular daily schedule, social connections, economic benefits, an occupational identity, self-respect, and quality of life. The work world is dynamic and fast-moving and it poses challenges to young people for which they need to prepare from a young age. Such challenges include acquiring a variety of skills, developing a future orientation and a personal identity, initiating and engaging in ongoing learning, establishing contacts and utilizing resources. These are demanding challenges for everyone, but especially for youths whose socioeconomic status, immigration background, and/or congenital or acquired disabilities place them at risk of living outside the world of work. In addition, it requires support and accessible environment in order them to adapt, integrate into and persist at work.  

This site was created to help actualize every adult’s basic right to engage in satisfying work that gives expression to his/her abilities and interests, regardless of origin, age, health, or social labeling. It is the responsibility of society and professionals to contribute every person to obtain satisfying work by reducing barriers to career development. This vision coincides with the goals of occupational therapy to support the participation and involvement of people in meaningful occupations, activities, and various roles, and to promote social changes to that end for every person at every age and with every state of functioning.

You are more than invited to share and use the activities and research tools and contact as for any further information.