Youth Career Exploratory Program | Manifest Business Consultants
Now Enrolling — Delaware Students with Disabilities Ages 14 to 22

YOUR FUTURE
STARTS HERE.
FOR REAL.

Explore 20+ real careers, build money skills, get one-on-one coaching, and walk away with your own Personal Career Pathway Plan — all in 2 weeks. And it's completely free.

Delaware Department of Labor Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Funding for this program is provided by the U.S. Department of Education Federal Rehabilitation Services Administration grant, # H126A260009.

20+ Career Pathways to Explore

EXPLORE THE REAL WORLD.
ALL OF IT.

Every industry. Every type of job. You'll get exposure to the careers shaping Delaware's economy — before you have to choose anything.

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Nursing, medical assisting, mental health, pharmaceutical, biotech & more

Human Services & Nonprofit

Case management, social work, rehab counseling, fundraising, grant writing

Tech, Cyber & Digital Media

Cybersecurity, software dev, graphic design, gaming, Metaverse, social media

Skilled Trades & Construction

Carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, green building, automotive, logistics

Public Service & Emergency

Government, municipal services, EMT, firefighting, law enforcement

Hospitality & Creative Industries

Hotel management, culinary arts, event planning, production, quality control

Business & Financial Services

Banking, accounting, insurance, financial planning, office management, sales

Advanced Manufacturing

Precision manufacturing, chemical processing, renewable energy, automation

Transportation & Logistics

Port of Wilmington operations, commercial transport, supply chain management

Entrepreneurship & Small Business

Owner vs. employee, how to start a business, money generation, systems & tools

EVERYTHING
YOU NEED TO WIN

This isn't just a class — it's a full Pre-Employment Transition Services program funded by the Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Here's what you actually get.

Job Exploration Counseling

Discover careers you didn't know existed across 20+ industries in Delaware's fastest-growing sectors.

Work-Based Learning Experiences

Get real exposure through onsite industry tours, job shadows, and hands-on activities before you graduate.

Workplace Readiness Training

Learn the skills employers actually care about — professionalism, money management, communication, and more.

Self-Advocacy Instruction

Learn to speak up for yourself at school, at work, and in life — and know your rights every step of the way.

Post-Secondary Counseling

Make a plan for college, trade school, apprenticeship, or going straight into the workforce — your call.

PLUS ALL OF THIS:

Weekly 1-on-1 coaching sessions
Industry guest speakers
Onsite tours at real workplaces
Gamified weekly competitions
Delaware Career Compass Guide
Recorded sessions for every learner
Financial literacy deep-dive
Hybrid format — in-person + online
Personal Career Pathway Plan
Guidance counselor support

HOW IT WORKS

Three phases. Two weeks. One plan that's completely yours.

Intake

ASSESS & DISCOVER

You'll complete a career interest inventory and baseline assessment so we can understand where you're starting and what lights you up. Zero pressure.

Weeks 1–6

EXPLORE & BUILD

Rotate through career tracks, go on industry tours, hear from real professionals, and build your financial literacy and life skills — all while getting 1-on-1 coaching support.

Weeks 7–8

PLAN & GRADUATE

Complete the Delaware Career Compass, lock in your top 3 career choices, build your Personal Career Pathway Plan, and present it at your graduation. Your roadmap. Your future.

After Week 8: Participants are encouraged to share their Career Pathway Plans with their school guidance counselors. Our team will personally help you set up that meeting — and come with you if you want.

IS THIS
PROGRAM FOR YOU?

Here's exactly who can join and what you'll need to apply.

About This Program

This program opens the door for Delaware high school students with disabilities — in grades 9 through 12, between the ages of 14 and 21, or currently enrolled in an 18–22 Educational Program — to actively explore real career pathways across more than 20 industries. Sessions run throughout the school year and are available at no cost to students living anywhere in the state of Delaware, including New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties.

What We're Here to Do

Manifest Business Consultants designed this program to bridge the gap between where students are today and where they want to go. The goal is to give every participant a genuine, hands-on look at the careers driving Delaware's economy — not just a classroom overview, but real exposure to real industries. By the time students complete the program, they walk away with expanded career knowledge, stronger financial and workplace skills, and a personalized roadmap for getting there.

New Students Only

This program is designed for first-time participants. Students who have already gone through the Manifest Comprehensive Youth Career Exploratory Program in any format — in-person or hybrid — are not eligible to reapply. If you completed the program previously and are looking for continued support, ask us about our Career Pathway Plan Support Services.

📎 Required Documentation — Read Before You Apply

To complete your application, you must attach the first page only of one of the following: a current IEP, a 504 Plan, or a letter from a licensed physician that clearly identifies the student's disability. Your spot in the program cannot be held or confirmed until this document is received with your application. Applications submitted without documentation will remain in a pending status until all required materials are on file.

You live in Delaware All three counties — New Castle, Kent, and Sussex
You're in grades 9–12, ages 14–21 (or in an 18–22 program) Currently enrolled in high school, or participating in a Delaware 18–22 Educational Program
You have a documented disability You must have an active IEP, 504 Plan, or a letter from a licensed physician that identifies your disability. This documentation is required to confirm eligibility and must be submitted with your application.
You are a new participant This program is open to students who have not previously completed the Manifest Youth Career Exploratory Program in any format.
The program is 100% free to you Funded by the Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. There is absolutely no cost to participants.

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ELIGIBILITY?

If you're not sure whether your documentation qualifies, reach out before you apply. We're happy to answer questions and help you understand what's needed.

To be eligible, you must have a current IEP, 504 Plan, or a licensed physician's letter identifying your disability. This document must be submitted — first page only — along with your application before a spot can be confirmed.

Not sure which document applies to you? Call or email us and we'll point you in the right direction.

CONNECTED TO
DELAWARE'S BEST

Our program brings in real partners from across Delaware's industries, schools, and community organizations — because your network matters.

Industry Partners

  • ChristianaCare Health System
  • Capital One & Discover Banks
  • Association of Builders & Contractors
  • Delaware Manufacturing Association
  • Port of Wilmington
  • Local Trade Unions & Apprenticeship Programs

Educational Institutions

  • Delaware Technical Community College
  • Delaware State University
  • University of Delaware Career Services
  • Zip Code Wilmington
  • Code Differently

Community Organizations

  • Futures First Gaming
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware
  • Food Bank of Delaware
  • Urban League of Delaware
  • Local Chambers of Commerce

READY TO START?

Fill out this form and our team will reach out within 2 business days. New cohorts start monthly — spots are limited to 15 students.

Please enter your first name.
Please enter your last name.
Please select your age.
Please select your county.
Please enter your school or district.
Please enter a valid email address.
Please enter a phone number.
Why we ask: This program is funded by Delaware's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), which serves youth with disabilities. Sharing this helps us confirm eligibility and ensure you receive any accommodations you need. You are never required to disclose — and a diagnosed disability is not required to apply.
We are committed to making this program fully accessible. All reasonable accommodations will be provided.

📎 Required: Disability Documentation

Attach the first page only of a current IEP, 504 Plan, or a licensed physician's letter that clearly identifies the student's disability. Your spot cannot be held or confirmed until this document is received with your application. Accepted formats: PDF, JPG, PNG (max 10MB).

First page only · IEP, 504 Plan, or physician letter · PDF, JPG, or PNG · Max 10MB Please attach your IEP, 504 Plan, or physician letter to continue.
You must confirm you are a new participant to apply.
Please check this box to continue.
Your personal information is protected and will never be sold or shared with third parties outside of program administration. This program is subject to FERPA protections for educational records.

YOU'RE ON YOUR WAY!

Your application has been received. Tamara and the Manifest team will reach out within 2 business days to confirm your eligibility and get you into the next cohort.