MBARK serves post-secondary young adults age 18 to 22 with learning delays and/or disabilities who have a desire to continue their education beyond high school. The goals of EMBARK are to enable young adults to be independent in living and traveling in the community, while assisting them in career development and employment in local businesses and organizations.

EMBARK students are motivated to develop vocational goals and have committed to working 20 hours per week. Eligible students have a documented disability and are eligible for services from Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. Each student agrees that work, using pubic transportation and independent living are primary goals they will strive to attain. Some students may have earned a high school diploma, but this is not a prerequisite for admission to the program.

Located at the Enterprise Center at Salem State College in Salem, MA, the students use the college campus resources to enhance their academic, vocational and physical education. College resources include:

Programs & Services
The EMBARK experience has two major components; independent life and occupational development. The components are integrated and together contribute to the successful transition of each student from home and school to independent life.

Independent Life
This component focuses on foundation skills based on SCANS (Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills). These skills are the core of EMBARK’s curriculum and include:

Occupational Development
This component includes foundation skills, vocational/career preparation and placement, occupational assessment and advisement; internship opportunities.

Students must attend EMBARK for a minimum of two years, up to a maximum of four years. The program sequence is individualized and includes the following: