The Pre-Employment Program (PEP) is an intensive one-week residential workshop that equips young adults with the skills necessary for workplace success. The 2020 program will begin at 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 16 and end at 12 p.m. on Saturday, February 22.
Application deadline TBD.
Any applications received after December 1 will be reviewed, pending program space. Late applications accepted until February 3, 2020.
“As a professional interviewer I can tell you that these candidates are better prepared than most of their sighted competition.” – Stuart Coleman, Partner and Senior Managing Director at WinterWyman
Critical skills at a critical age
- Rigorous preparation for young adults ages 16 to 22 who are blind or visually impaired
- Real-life perspective from successful leading corporations such as Tufts Health Plan, Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, WinterWyman, Wells Fargo and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- A chance to tour real worksites including a visit to Google's Cambridge campus
- Designed in collaboration with Dr. Karen Wolffe, a renowned international expert on career counseling for people who are blind or visually impaired, and led by Perkins educators
- Applicable to internships, summer employment, college work-study jobs and careers
Contact Pat Ryan at 617-972-7812 or Patrick.Ryan@Perkins.org to learn more.
Any applications received after December 1 will be reviewed, pending program space.
Beyond academics
Young adults who are learning with blindness need more than academics for a successful future. Specific instruction on how to conduct a job interview, what to wear to work and how to disclose a disability to a potential employer is necessary for people whose blindness prevents incidental learning. Learn how the PEP addresses these critical skills and prepare for workplace success.
When enrolled in the PEP, your young adult will be exposed to:
- Young adults who are blind and employed
- Hiring professionals and disability experts from leading corporations
- Online job search skills
- Hands-on learning
- Resume writing
- Mock interviews
Testimonials

“It can really help students with a visual impairment on employment.” – Jordan, PEP alum

“It actually inspired me to find an internship.” – Danielle, PEP alum