An Evaluation of Career Opportunity Readiness Experience (CORE): An Enhancement to Supported Employment for Transition Age Youth with Serious Mental Health Diagnoses

Transition-age youth (TAY) diagnosed with serious mental health diagnoses have low employment rates. Supported Employment (SE) is a widely adopted evidence-based approach. However, SE engagement and outcomes are mixed with TAY, who have unique developmental needs. This study evaluates the "Career Opportunity Readiness Experience" (CORE), a TAY transitional employment SE add-on. CORE runs in 15-week cycles with 6-8 TAY, supported by Vocational Peer Mentors. CORE includes: (1) workshops, (2) paid internship, and (3) SE transition. CORE participation, key outcomes and feedback were tracked over nine cycles, and for six-months post-CORE participation. Most (97%; 55 of 57) experienced positive outcomes: 74% enrolled in SE, 42% secured employment and 23% enrolled in an education program. Most (82%) reported positive CORE experiences. CORE workshops, internships and vocational peer mentoring are promising TAY SE practices. More research is needed to understand CORE implementation barriers and facilitators and key change mechanisms.