The mission of the Manasota Business Leadership Network (MBLN) is to educate and encourage employers to recruit, hire, train, and retain employees with disabilities as part of promoting good business practices. The MBLN incorporates 23 businesses, two school district representatives from two counties, and five agencies. The network is endorsed by the Sarasota-Manatee Human Resource Association (SHRA), which spans two counties and is 250 members strong.

The Manasota Employment Networking Training Opportunity Resource (M.E.N.T.O.R.) Grant, funded by The Able Trust, will serve a disability neutral population comprised of both students and adults by providing paid internships.  School Transition Contacts from each district will recommend five (5) graduating students with disabilities from each district.  A total of twenty (20) participants will be matched based on their interests, skills, and abilities to a business involved with the MBLN. An Employment Consultant will oversee this process, train the businesses with regard to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) including disability etiquette, link the participants with a support mentor, and provide job coaching. It is projected that the internship training will be a six-week period with a strong potential of turning into a permanent paid position.

This program meets several EdVantage strategic objectives: Enthusiasm for Learning - Devotes time and effort to learning; Democratic Process – Accepts differences in others; and Goal Setting - collaborates with others.

The Superintendent recommends approval to apply, accept and expend the Manasota Employment Networking Training Opportunity Resource (M.E.N.T.O.R.) Grant in the amount of $59,950.00.

Motion and approval to apply, accept and expend the Manasota Employment Networking Training Opportunity Resource (M.E.N.T.OR.) Grant in the amount of $59,950.00.

If approved at the full amount requested, the District will receive $59.950.00.

Adult Career and Technical Education

Diane Roberts/Doug Wagner/sv/mh

05/10/10