From left, Kacie Williams, Maddison Foster, Brooklyn Price and McKennah Mackall are students participating in a new educational program at East Palestine High School for those students looking for a career path in the developmental disabilities profession. (Submitted photo)

EAST PALESTINE — A new program is now offered at East Palestine High School for those students looking for a career path in the developmental disabilities profession. To cultivate the next generation of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) has collaborated with the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (OADSP) to provide specialized training programs for high school students. In East Palestine, the school district has teamed up with Threshold Residential Services (TRS) to give those who take part in the program the ability to obtain practical work experience in the community.

“Our partnership with Threshold will allow for new opportunities for our East Palestine students while gaining practical work experience,” said Superintendent James Rook. “We are excited to see them develop their skills and contribute to a field so deeply dedicated to helping others.”

With this program, students will complete over 60 hours of learning modules, as well as 100 hours at a paid internship offered by Threshold. During their internship, they will be contributing and gaining experience at various locations within the Threshold community, always under the direct supervision of one of their valued staff members.

“Working with East Palestine High School on the DSP-U program reflects our commitment to investing in the future of our community,” said Threshold CEO Chris Page. “This initiative empowers students to gain essential skills in a rewarding field while positively impacting the lives of those we serve.”

Upon completion of the program, students will earn nationally recognized credentials demonstrating their commitment to professional development and quality care, as well as their Certificate of Initial Proficiency (CIP) and DSP-1 National Credential. This dual credentialing pathway provides students with a strong foundation and valuable opportunities to advance their careers in the field of direct support.