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About Us

Founded in 2019, The Transition Academy (TTA) is Jackson County Missouri’s most comprehensive workforce program, dedicated to improving employment outcomes for high school students who learn differently.

Based in the Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) geographic area, TTA has been serving Kansas City’s youth since its inception, helping young people with diverse learning styles explore career pathways as they transition to adulthood. Through hands-on, real-world learning experiences, TTA helps youth build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to navigate their future with purpose and independence.

Mission

Our mission is to make economic inclusion a reality for youth with disabilities, especially for young people of color who have historically been failed by systems.

Vision

We envision a world where people of all abilities have choices in building happy, meaningful, and fulfilling lives.

History

Launched just before the pandemic, TTA quickly pivoted to provide virtual training during the lockdown, ensuring students continued to receive critical support. Our model shifted too once we were able to return to the classrooms with an in-school model, and then we evolved to include hands-on, real-world learning experiences.

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KC DiversAbility Fair

We also bring youth who learn differently and stakeholders together for the KC DiversAbility College and Career Fair—the largest event in the region focused on connecting youth with disabilities to colleges, employers, and essential transition resources.

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FAQS

Who is eligible for TTA membership?
TTA membership is for high school students in Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) and public charter schools.

TTA serves high school students with autism/intellectual and developmental disabilities, prioritizing juniors and seniors. We also partner with organizations for students aged 18-21.

TTA focuses on preparing youth for future employment success after high school. We support youth and connect them with workforce development and training programs. Please note, we do not currently provide support for college prep services.

Workforce Readiness

Explore the workforce readiness opportunities provided by The Transition Academy