Career Quest | Steps Foundation

Exploring careers. Building confidence. Preparing for the real world.

A hands-on, career readiness program designed specifically for students with disabilities to explore career paths, build job skills, and prepare for success after high school.

Whats Offered

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What Next

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Helping Teens and Young Adults Navigate What’s Next

Career Quest is a practical, engaging program built in partnership with the Florida Department of Education’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program, designed to support students with disabilities as they explore career paths and develop essential work and life skills.

Through activities like mock interviews, goal setting, workplace readiness training, job shadowing, and career exploration, students gain clarity, confidence, and the tools they need to pursue employment, college, or vocational training.

This program is open to students with an active 504 Plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and includes free access to support services and real-world experiences to help them prepare for life after high school.

What the Program Offers

Career Exploration

Skills Taught:

Identifying interests and strengths
Researching careers across industries
Understanding job roles, salaries, and paths

Benefits:

Helps students align passion with purpose
Increases motivation and goal clarity
Sparks interest in new and emerging career fields

Workplace Readiness

Skills Taught:

Resume writing and job applications
Professional etiquette and communication
Interview preparation and mock interviews

Benefits:

Builds confidence in professional settings
Prepares students to apply for internships, part-time jobs, or college programs
Teaches how to make a strong first impression

Job Shadowing & Real-World Learning

Skills Taught:

Observing professionals in action
Participating in work-based learning projects
Engaging with local businesses and mentors

Benefits:

Connects classroom learning to real careers
Builds networks and insight into specific fields
Inspires students through hands-on experience

Self-Advocacy & Goal Setting

Skills Taught:

Setting short- and long-term career goals
Advocating for needs in school, work, and interviews
Building personal development plans

Benefits:

Empowers students to take control of their futures
Encourages independence, clarity, and drive
Promotes resilience in overcoming challenges

Post-Secondary Pathways

Skills Taught:

Exploring college, technical school, or entrepreneurial paths
Understanding application processes and financial aid
Connecting with career counselors and admissions professionals

Benefits:

Helps students understand their options beyond high school
Encourages thoughtful planning for life after graduation
Prepares families to navigate college and career systems

Program Details

One mission. Three ways to get there.

Career Quest offers hands-on career readiness experiences for students and young adults, but every learner’s journey looks a little different. That’s why we’ve created three unique tracks based on age, needs, and eligibility. Explore the track that’s right for you or your student below.

Career Quest: Pathways

For: Middle and high school students with a documented disability (504 Plan or IEP)

Ages: 14–18

Cost: Free (funded through Florida Vocational Rehabilitation)

Description:
This track is designed for students with disabilities who are ready to explore careers, gain soft skills, and prepare for the future — with wraparound support. Offered in partnership with the Florida Department of Education’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program, Pathways combines mentorship, workplace readiness, and self-advocacy in a safe, empowering environment.

Eligibility:
Must have an active 504 Plan or IEP

Must complete the VR application and referral must be sent to Step's Foundation, Inc. prior to starting the program.

Career Quest: Launch

For: Young adults with a disability, post-high school

Ages: 18–24

Cost: Free (funded through Florida Vocational Rehabilitation)

Description:
Launch is built for young adults who are ready to step into their future but may still need guidance, structure, and access to supportive services. Whether they’re preparing to enter the workforce, college, or a training program, Launch provides the tools to move forward with confidence.

Eligibility:
Must have a documented disability

Must complete the VR application and referral must be sent to Step's Foundation, Inc. prior to starting the program.

Career Quest: Access

For: Teens and Young Adults without a 504 Plan or IEP

Ages: 14–24

Cost: $150.00Tuition-based (limited scholarships available)

Description:
Career Quest: Access is for students and young adults who don’t qualify for state-funded services but still want to gain powerful career readiness tools. This track offers the same dynamic programming — from resume development to mock interviews — in a fee-based format with the option to apply for need-based scholarships.

Eligibility:
Open to all students; no 504 Plan or IEP required

Apply Here

Ready to Join? Here’s How to Get Started.

Take the First Step Toward a Stronger Future.

Complete the Application

Submit the Pathways to Possibilities Application to apply.

Submit a Vocational Rehabilitation Application

This is a required step through the Florida Department of Education for program eligibility if you're applying for Career Quest Pathways or Launch.

Attend a Career Quest Info Session

Learn more about the program, ask questions, and meet the team.

Start Your Plan

Once accepted and VR referral or scholarship has been awarded, you'll begin your career readiness journey with us.

Cesar A.

"They taught me a lot of responsibility, a lot of how to take on a challenge, and goals that I never really thought of when I was younger."

Kawaii H.

"This program opened my eyes more to school, and to stay focused on getting where I’m supposed to go without falling behind."

Esther H.

"Step’s Foundation has really helped me step outside of my comfort zone."