Start on Success

Community-based work experience through paid internships

Through collaboration between students, families, schools, community agencies, and employers, Start on Success (SOS) provides high school students with IEPs who are pursuing standard diplomas with a high quality work-based learning experience. Selected students enroll in a credit-bearing Career and Technical Education (CTE) course and then participate in a paid internship at a local business with an assigned mentor to assist with problem-solving, accommodations, and applying workplace readiness skills.

In Virginia, over seventy-five percent of SOS graduates engage in postsecondary education and training, military, and/or employment.

Start on Success Application

SOS Application

Don't miss this opportunity! Applications are being accepted for two new SOS sites for the 2025-2026 school year. This application will be available online until October 4, 2024.

View SOS Application

SOS Application Recommendation

Send the form below to your DARS counselor and one other community partner. These will be sent directly to Kelly Ligon, kligon@vcu.edu. Two forms must be submitted along with your application for consideration.

View Recommendation Form