Schools · Providers · Workforce organizations · OVR
Refer a candidate
Keystone Talent Bridge is a paid, 10-week workforce program for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment. We work with referral partners to move people into competitive, sustainable employment.
Who you can refer
Our primary focus is young people ages 16–24 who are transitioning into employment, including individuals who may be entering the workforce for the first time or building the skills and confidence needed for long-term employment. However, age is not a strict eligibility requirement, and we welcome referrals for individuals outside this range when the program is a good fit.
The most important thing we ask: refer people who genuinely want to work. Participants do not need prior work experience or a polished résumé. They do need an interest in employment, a willingness to learn, and the ability to engage in hands-on training with support. Our role is to help build the skills, experience, connections, and confidence needed to take the next step toward competitive employment.
The process
How referral works
- Submit a referralUse the form at the bottom of this page.
- Intake conversationWe meet with the individual to discuss goals, strengths, interests, and support needs.
- Baseline workplace readiness assessmentWe establish a clear starting point.
- Individualized planThe participant enters the cohort with a defined plan.
- 10-week paid cohortSix program phases, from onboarding through job readiness.
- Placement and follow-along supportTransition to an employer partner, with retention coaching after hire.
What the program provides
- Paid work in a fully operational production environment
- Structured training in short, practical modules tied to daily work
- Individualized coaching, accommodation identification, and self-advocacy support
- Industry-recognized certifications
- Direct employer exposure — site visits, mock interviews, candidate alignment
- Job placement support and post-hire retention coaching
Participants are active contributors in setting their own goals, identifying their support needs, and choosing their next steps. The program is built on person-centered planning, informed decision-making, and flexibility in pacing and support intensity.
What we ask of participants
So you can set expectations before referring: participants are expected to attend consistently, arrive on time, communicate appropriately, follow safety requirements, accept feedback, and contribute to the team.
Support is provided to help them meet these expectations, not to replace them.
How we coordinate with you
With the individual’s consent, and when appropriate in coordination with their support team, we can communicate directly with the referring agency or provider about their participation and progress. A signed Release of Information must be on file before we share or discuss participant-specific information.
With the individual’s consent, and when appropriate in coordination with their support team, we can communicate directly with the referring agency or provider about their participation and progress. A signed Release of Information must be on file before we share or discuss participant-specific information.
Cost and funding
Keystone Talent Bridge is currently privately funded, which allows us to offer participation in our selected cohort slots at no cost to the participant, family, or referring organization.
Because funded spaces are limited, there may be times when an individual would like to enter the program outside of the available funded slots. In those cases, a self-pay option may be available at 50% of the standard cohort cost, with Keystone Talent Bridge covering the remaining portion.
Our goal is to keep cost from becoming a barrier to participation whenever possible.