Skill Enhancement and Employee Development (SEED)

Yes. Students can be enrolled in the S.E.E.D. program and other courses at the same time.

The S.E.E.D. program does not utilize job coaches or teaching assistance. Students must be able to complete class work and employment experiences independently. S.E.E.D. program staff will  maintain contact with the instructors and work supervisors to address any concerns that may arise. 

Students are expected to attend all scheduled class sessions and their work experiences as scheduled. If a student is absent due to illness or emergency, the student must contact S.E.E.D. program staff and their work supervisor staff prior to the absence. If a student knows they will miss multiple sessions at the time of enrollment, they may need to enroll in a future offering.

The first step is for the student to apply for services through the Center for Access and Accommodative Services (CAAS). A student must complete this process before a pre-engagement meeting is scheduled with the S.E.E.D. Coordinator. The pre-engagement meeting will be held to discuss the program and to gather information on the student's needs, interests, goals, and strengths. After the meeting, CAAS and S.E.E.D. staff will discuss if the individual meets    the requirements for enrollment. The individual will be notified if approved and next steps. All requirements must be met prior to the first day of instruction. 

Students may have homework in this program. There may be work assigned in class that the student needs to complete at home. Periodically students will have to schedule a meeting with S.E.E.D. program staff or other departments on campus, such as Career Services, to complete assignments. Students will be notified of these requirements as they will be outlined in the syllabus and announced on the course Blackboard page. Schedule changes will be provided with as much notice as possible. Students will need to check their Triton email and the program Blackboard page regularly for any changes to the schedule or assignments.

Financial aid cannot be used to cover the tuition for the S.E.E.D. program as it is not a credit-baring program. For information on cost, please contact Colleen Malinowski at seed@triton.edu

The S.E.E.D. program partners with on-campus and community employers to allow students to complete two work experiences while in the program. The employers develop two – three goals with the student that the student will work toward during their work experience. At the end of the work experience, the employer will complete a feedback form with the student on their progress.

SEED Program Employer Information

The S.E.E.D. program has developed partnerships with the following employers:

• Bazaar/Bargains in a Box
• Bean Bar
• Franklin Park City Hall
• Good Earth Green House
• Happy Apple Pie Makers
• Leyden Township
• Loyola University Medical Center
• McDonalds in River Grove
• Northlake Library
• One Stop Comics
• Portillo’s in Forest Park
• SSA Group at Brookfield Zoo
• Triton College Academic Success Center
• Triton College Audio Visual
• Triton College Cernan Earth and Space Center
• Triton College Hospitality Industry Administration
• Triton College Horticulture
• Triton College Library
• Triton College Marketing Department
• Triton College Mailroom/Shipping and Receiving Department
• Triton College Professional Development Center
• Triton College Welcome Desk
• Veterans Park District
• Walgreens

As an employer partner with the S.E.E.D. program, employers not only become an invaluable part of the program, but employers also have the opportunity to support the participants by providing them with skills and experience they will carry throughout their lives. Benefits to employers include

• Individuals with disabilities can bring fresh perspectives and problem-solving abilities to the job
• Programs like S.E.E.D. can help businesses and organizations find reliable, dedicated, and highly motivated employees
• Individuals with disabilities promote an inclusive and diverse customer service experience which is essential in today's world.  Workers with disabilities create a sense of inclusion and welcoming for all customers.  Especially for those who have a disability themselves.
• Employers involvement with the S.E.E.D. Program not only creates diversity in the workplace, but also acts as a built-in professional development experience for employers and their staff.

Learn how hiring employees with different capabilities and ways of thinking can positively contribute to  businesses and customer service experiences, as well as the business bottom line. 

The following resources are provided to help employers learn more about how hiring individuals with disabilities is good for business:

• Why Hiring People with Disabilities is Good for Business
• Neurodiversity and The Workplace
• JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft among growing number of companies turning to neurodiverse workers to help meet need for talent
• Employer Financial Incentives
• DRS Employment Services - DRS Success Employers

The S.E.E.D. Program Community Work Experience Partner Agreement outlines the responsibilities for the employer and Triton College. This agreement also details the responsibilities of an employer partner. 

S.E.E.D. Program Community Work Experience Partner Agreement

While there is no requirement that S.E.E.D. intern(s) are paid, an employer can do so if they wish, or if it is part of your company’s policy. 

S.E.E.D. program staff understand that there are various factors that could impact an employer hosing a S.E.E.D. intern. If the employer is unable to provide an opportunity, the S.E.E.D. Coordinator should be notified.

Triton College does not provide any job coaching or on-site supervision.  S.E.E.D. interns and employers are provided support as needed to assist with the S.E.E.D. intern being successful. This support comes in the form of availability for requested meetings and phone calls to answer questions, and express concerns. The S.E.E.D. Coordinator will conduct check-ins with the S.E.E.D. intern and occasional drop-ins to the work site.  Employers are encouraged to contact the S.E.E.D. Coordinator immediately with any concerns or issues.  

Triton College or the Employer Partner may terminate their agreement by providing written notice signed by the authorized agent. In the event of termination, every effort shall be made to allow participating students to complete their work assignment.

While no formal employer training is offered at this time, the S.E.E.D. Coordinator is available to work with employers and their staff to answer any questions they may have about working with S.E.E.D.  participants, including training and educational resources for working with neurodivergent individuals.