Empowerment Academy, Inc.
900 Cesery Blvd, Suite 118
Jacksonville, FL 32211
Office 904-900-8391 Fax 904-309-9935
© 2013 All Rights Reserved
2025
EMPOWERMENT ACADEMY, INC.
Purpose
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is overseen by the Florida Department of Education. The VR Career Camp (VRCC), is designed to provide specialized, unique Pre-Employment Training Services to students with disabilities who are eligible or potentially eligible to receive Vocational Rehabilitation services. Students attending sessions will receive tailored Pre-ETS learning experiences in a group setting, using approved curriculum that may include any combination of the following services:
Workplace Readiness Training: Soft-skills training, employability skills training, social/interpersonal skills (i.e. communication, problem-solving, decision-making, conflict resolution, empathy, professionalism, etc.), and independent living skills training related to employment (i.e. good hygiene, money management, time management, using technology and assistive technology, appropriate dress, appropriate behavior, etc.).
Self-Advocacy Training (SA): This may include, but is not limited to, instruction in self-awareness, disability disclosure, requesting accommodations, understanding rights and responsibilities, and self-determination.
Work-Based Learning Experiences: This may include job shadowing, informational interviews, industry tours, and business field trips.
Postsecondary Educational Counseling: Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in postsecondary educational programs or comprehensive transition programs and identifying financial aid options.
Job Exploration Counseling: Instruction on the benefits of competitive integrated employment and employment options at every level of education available in the local labor market. This may include, but is not limited to, reviewing interest and ability surveys, reviewing career websites, instruction on career choices, or other similar activities.
EA provides virtual VRCC services statewide to eligible students.
EA offers multiple sessions during Winter (2 @ 50h each), Spring (2 @ 20h each), and Summer breaks (7 @ 50h each). With the 20-hour Fall session, EA currently offers 510 hours of camp over 12 sessions per school year. This represents a significant learning and earnings opportunity for eligible students. Each student that attends at least 10 hours of an Empowerment Academy career camp, and completes all the necessary paperwork, will be paid $8 per hour for each hour they complete. For example, if a student only attends 10 hours of a camp and completes all the required paperwork, the student will receive an $80 stipend. If a student attends all 20 hours and completes all the required paperwork, the student will receive a $160 stipend. If a student attends 9 or less hours, the student will not receive any stipend. It is a student/parent choice program so students can attend any camp of their choice. Camps can be face-to-face or virtual. EA's camps are virtual.
Contact Information:
Sonia Roberts, Executive Director of Empowerment Academy, Inc
Phone Number: 904-701-8155 or 904‐962-2826
Email: saroberts@eacdc.org
EA is fulfilling its mission to improve education outcomes of youths through a partnership with the Florida Department of Education's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. The partnership agreement allows EA to provide Pre-Employment Training and Postsecondary Educational Counseling to students with disabilities aged 14-21 who are residents of Florida. Students can attend a public, charter, private, vocational, or trade school; as well as college. To be eligible, students must have an active IEP or 504 plan.