Project LIFE

Independence and Employment is Our Goal!

Project LIFE provides students with developmental disabilities the opportunity to learn and strengthen skills that are high predictors of greater adult independence leading to a future of integrated employment in their community. 

Program Overview

Project LIFE is a comprehensive, multi-year transition-to-adulthood program in which individuals (ages 16+) with disabilities can develop, practice, and strengthen skills that are high predictors for increased adult independence and successful, integrated community employment.

Project LIFE offers a targeted course of study in combination with participation in experiential life skills education and authentic work-based learning experiences in the local community. Utilizing evidence-based transition education concepts, Project LIFE is a proven program model that supports our student interns on their journey to adulthood and greater independence.

Project LIFE began in 2007 and is now impacting lives nationwide. Visit btprojectlife.org for additional information and where additional programs are located.

Course of Study Topics

  • Safety
  • Self-Determination
  • Independence
  • Social & Communication Skills
  • Financial Skills
  • Technology Skills
  • Physical & Emotional Well-Being
  • Micro-enterprise Fundamentals

Digital & Career skills services are also available.

A Day at Project LIFE

A typical day at Project LIFE includes classroom learning activities focused on the course of study topics and 2-3 hours of work based learning experiences under the supervision of a qualified Instructor or Job Skills Trainer. Individual goals are also addressed based upon the needs of each student intern. It is recommended that individual goals be prioritized to focus on the specific transition-to-adulthood needs of the student intern in order to increase the likelihood of growth and mastery toward their future adult plans.

Project LIFE believes that all individuals, regardless of disability, will grow in independence when expectations for learning are raised. Job skills are assessed based on employer standards and expectations. Weekly job skill reports will provide data focused on individual progress. This data will help our student interns consider jobs they want for the future while providing them an understanding of accommodations they may need for future employment.

Who to Contact

Clare Hann, Transition Services Coordinator
clare.hann@goodwillswpa.org    |    412-632-1880 / 412-670-9182

Project LIFE Partners

Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s replication of the Project Life program was made possible, in part, by funding received by The Friends of Butler Tech Foundation from the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, a non-profit foundation jointly funded by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation of Japan and its US affiliates, working to make changes for the better by empowering youth with disabilities to lead productive lives.