{"id":80349,"date":"2025-11-20T17:47:06","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T22:47:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/?page_id=80349"},"modified":"2026-10-08T14:37:25","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T19:37:25","slug":"knecty","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/ja\/knecty\/","title":{"rendered":"KANSASWORKS NETWORK FOR EMPLOYMENT AND CAREER TRANSITION FOR YOUTH"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\"KANSASWORKS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The acronym k-n-e-c-t-Y is pronounced \u201cconnect why.\u201d<\/sup><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The knectY program supports transition-age (14\u201324) Kansans with disabilities in building a brighter future. This program helps place young people with disabilities in competitive integrated employment \u2014 jobs where knectY youth work side by side with peers, with and without disabilities, and earn equal pay as others doing the same work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The knectY program works together with Kansas\u2019 disabled youth, their families and employers. Participants in knectY meet with staff from KANSAS<\/strong>WORKS and Families Together CHASE<\/a> to discuss goals and create a plan to find a job, finish school or both. Each young person chooses the path that is right for them through informed decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The knectY program is part of the Employment Transition Model demonstration projects, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy to improve access to career pathways and jobs for youth with disabilities. Read on to learn more about the types of services offered, program locations and answers to frequently asked questions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Youth and Family Services<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  • Help with finishing high school, technical training or college.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Activities and lessons to boost confidence and grow social skills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Free sessions with a certified benefits counselor who will explain the impact of work and how to make the most of it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Opportunities to build and practice leadership skills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Help with developing basic job skills, exploring job options and increasing financial literacy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Support from mentors when needed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Job aids, such as help getting to and from work, finding work clothing and connecting with local resources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Information, resources and support for parents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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