The WIOA program can help students who need a bit more equitable access to WBL by helping them with Supportive Services (transportation, communications, housing), paying for training, and paying for them to get their Initial Work Experience (yes the grant pays the student directly, like a lease program for an employer). Eligible students need to have an IEP/504 or be on F/R lunch and have a barrier (ell, BSD, offender, foster care, etc).

Dave Ruthenberg is a Dane County School Consortium Youth Career Planner. Dave holds a professional educator’s license and began his career in Illinois high schools before moving to California. There, he worked with the non-profit organization AbilityPath as a job coach. Dave taught job readiness skills to adults with disabilities, both in the classroom and at various work sites. Dave developed a virtual curriculum about work skills and healthy relationships, which earned him AbilityPath’s award for innovation in 2021. Dave is a recent transplant to Madison and has made a personal vow to swim in every lake in Dane County.

Dave Ruthenberg is a Dane County School Consortium Youth Career Planner. Dave holds a professional educator’s license and began his career in Illinois high schools before moving to California. There, he worked with the non-profit organization AbilityPath as a job coach. Dave taught job readiness skills to adults with disabilities, both in the classroom and at various work sites. Dave developed a virtual curriculum about work skills and healthy relationships, which earned him AbilityPath’s award for innovation in 2021. Dave is a recent transplant to Madison and has made a personal vow to swim in every lake in Dane County.