Youth Services Program
Building Skills. Opening Doors.
NILP’s Youth Services Program (YSP) supports young people with disabilities as they explore careers, strengthen independence, develop real-world skills, and prepare for what comes next.
YSP serves students and young adults ages 14–22 through practical, community-based programs designed to build confidence, skills, and meaningful real-world experience.
Start here
Support shaped around each young person
YSP serves students and young adults ages 14–22 through practical, community-based programs that build confidence, skills and real-world experience.
Explore Possibilities
Discover careers, education options, personal strengths, and future opportunities through guided exploration.
Practice Real Skills
Build communication, self-advocacy, work readiness, independent living, and other skills that support greater independence.
Move Forward With Support
Work with NILP staff, schools, families, and community partners to identify goals and take meaningful steps toward adulthood.
Transition to Adulthood Program (TAP)
Supporting Life Beyond the Classroom
The Transition to Adulthood Program (TAP) provides individual and group services that help students develop the skills and confidence they need for adult life—at school, at home, and in their communities.
TAP services may include:
- Independent living and self-advocacy skills
- Individual transition planning based on each student’s personal goals
- Social and recreational opportunities
- Community-based skill development
- Support with community access and daily living skills
Services are delivered through a flexible combination of school-based instruction, individual planning, and opportunities to practice skills in the community.
TAP remains available during summer school sessions.
Comprehensive Career Services (CCS)
Career Learning That Reaches Students Where They Are
Comprehensive Career Services (CCS) helps students with disabilities explore career possibilities, develop workplace skills, prepare for education and employment, and gain valuable experience as they plan for life after high school.
CCS combines in-person community Hubs with live Zoom opportunities, giving students greater flexibility in choosing workshops based on their interests and goals—not simply which Hub is closest to them.
Five Community Hubs. Every Workshop Within Reach.
CCS workshops are offered through five community Hubs:
Haverhill
Monday
Lawrence
Tuesday
Amesbury
Wednesday
Ipswich
Thursday
Lowell
Friday
Workshop times are 2:30–3:30 PM and 4:00–5:00 PM.
View calendars
Explore workshops by month
View calendars
Explore workshops by month
View calendars
Explore workshops by month
What Students Learn
CCS provides opportunities to develop skills and experience in:
01 Work readiness
02 Job exploration counseling
03 Self-advocacy
04 Postsecondary education counseling
05 Work-based learning experiences
Getting Started
Enrollment requires completed application and eligibility paperwork along with documentation of disability, such as an IEP, evaluation, or medical documentation.
Youth Career Camps
Turn School Breaks Into Opportunities to Explore What’s Next
NILP Youth Career Camps give students an engaging, hands-on way to explore careers and build practical skills during school vacation periods.
Career Camps may include career exploration, work readiness, communication skills, budgeting, hands-on activities, and community-based experiences.
Career Camp
A focused week of career exploration, hands-on activities, and skill building.
There is no internship component during February Vacation Career Camp.
Career Camp
Interactive activities designed to help students discover career possibilities and prepare for future education and employment.
There is no internship component during April Vacation Career Camp.
Career Camp + Work-Based Learning
The summer program combines Career Camp with an opportunity for work-based learning.
Students participate in one week of career training followed by up to three weeks—or 60 hours—of work-based learning experience.
Massachusetts Driver’s Manual Training
A Clearer Path to Preparing for Your Learner’s Permit
NILP’s Massachusetts Driver’s Manual Training provides accessible, instructor-guided support to help students understand the Massachusetts Driver’s Manual and prepare for the learner’s permit exam.
The program uses a structured, supportive approach designed to accommodate different learning styles and help students build knowledge and confidence.
Learn
Break complex Driver’s Manual content into clear, understandable lessons.
Practice
Work through practice questions and reinforce important rules and concepts.
Build Confidence
Use accessible learning strategies and structured review to prepare at a comfortable pace.
Prepare to Test
Become familiar with the material and what to expect before taking the Massachusetts learner’s permit exam.
Training may be offered during school vacation programming and through in-person and/or Zoom sessions, depending on the current schedule.
Host a Student Intern
Give a Student a Real Workplace Opportunity
NILP partners with local employers to create meaningful, supported work-based learning and internship opportunities for students with disabilities.
Participating employers give students an opportunity to experience a real workplace, develop practical skills, explore career interests, and build confidence.
NILP compensates the student and provides ongoing support to both the participant and the workplace throughout the experience.
A strong employer partnership includes clear responsibilities, open communication, constructive feedback, and a shared commitment to helping young people develop workplace skills and experience.
Interested in hosting a student?
Contact Steve Michelson at smichelson@nilp.org.
Let’s Find the Right Next Step
Students, families, educators, employers, and community partners are encouraged to connect with NILP Youth Services to learn more about available programs, make a referral, or begin the intake process.
Steve Michelson
Email: smichelson@nilp.org | Phone: (978) 245-8469