For Cameron Nance and Cheyenne Akers, graduation from high school meant more than receiving diplomas—it meant walking into full-time careers as civil service employees at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Both are living proof that the Pre-Employment Career Training Services (PECT) program can transform lives.

The PECT program, operated by Tri-County Special Education in partnership with Illinois' Division of Rehabilitation Services, serves students with disabilities across Jackson, Perry, and Union counties. What began during COVID as an emergency solution to SIU's staffing shortage has evolved into a remarkable pipeline for meaningful employment.

"No high school students walk out of high school with a state job. Doesn't happen," says Denise Jones, PECT Program Director for Tri-County Special Education and liaison with the Division of Rehabilitation Services. "But we've put 15 students into working at Lentz Hall, and five of them are now civil service employees."

Cameron, from Cobden High School, and Cheyenne, from Murphysboro, represent the program's transformative power. Both started working in SIU's Lentz Hall cafeteria during their senior year, gaining valuable work experience. Cameron's path exemplifies the program's individualized approach. During his time in the program, he also worked for Tri-County doing janitorial services over the summer, gaining diverse work experience. Now in his second year as a civil service employee, he has established himself as a reliable team member at Lentz Hall. His transition from high school student to full-time state employee demonstrates how early work experience can build confidence and professional skills.

Cheyenne's story highlights the program's wraparound support system. Recently graduated this past May, she's currently completing her six-month probationary period as a new civil service employee. When her grandmother, who had served as her guardian, passed away recently, Jones worked closely with the family to ensure transportation and support systems remained in place. This personal attention reflects the program's commitment to addressing barriers that might otherwise derail success. Without the PECT program, Cheyenne would likely have remained on disability benefits for life rather than achieving economic independence.

Under the supervision of Gwyn Crawshaw, Lentz Hall supervisor, students learn structured work routines ideal for people with disabilities. "If they're on dishes for the day, that's all they do for their shift," Jones explains. "There's not a lot of jumping here and here and here. It's very structured for all employees." Jones attributes these repeated successes to be as a result of building and maintaining a strong partnership and unwavering commitment with Crawshaw in order to provide every opportunity to help our young people succeed.

This structure, combined with natural workplace supports, creates an environment where students can thrive. The partnership has been so successful that the five current civil service employees earn over $20 per hour with full benefits, including sick leave and vacation time. Most remarkably, because they started working so young, they could potentially retire at age 40 from state employment.

The broader PECT program serves 265 students annually across nine high schools, offering five core services: job exploration, post-secondary education counseling, workplace readiness instruction, self-advocacy training, and work-based learning. Students might work in their high school, in the community, or focus on job shadowing to explore career interests. Some students benefit from wages subsidized through Tri-County's contract to encourage participation earning $15 per hour for up to 10 hours weekly."Everything we do is 100% student-centered," Jones emphasizes. "Where are they at? Where do they want to go? The biggest piece is finding what they are going to love—helping them fine-tune what is their passion."

The program serves students with various disabilities, from learning differences like dyslexia and ADHD to autism, intellectual disabilities, and physical impairments. Some students excel in advanced classes but need accommodation support; others require more intensive transition services. The program's flexibility allows for individualized approaches.

What many don't realize is that the Division of Rehabilitation Services extends far beyond high school. Students who participate in PECT while in high school have a significant advantage, but anyone with a disability can apply for services throughout their lifetime. The agency can potentially assist with college tuition, books, fees, job training, and employment support.

For students like Cameron and Cheyenne, the PECT program didn't just provide jobs—it changed life trajectories. Instead of minimum-wage positions with uncertain hours or long-term dependency on government assistance, they have stable careers with benefits, professional growth opportunities, and retirement security.