DSP Pathways: Preparing High School Students for Careers in Human Services
Building a High School–to–Career “Front line to Future,” Initiative to Human Services
AHRC Nassau, in collaboration with The Bellmore Merrick Central High School District and OPWDD, has designed an innovative workforce model that gave rise to DSP Pathways, the first high school recruitment initiative of its kind, strategically aligned with the long-term workforce needs of New York State providers. Grounded in a forward-thinking philosophy of succession planning, the model recognizes that the future of direct support services depends on early, intentional engagement of emerging talent. By cultivating interest at the high school level and equipping students with exposure, skills, and purpose-driven career pathways, our collaboration has proactively built a sustainable talent initiative. This approach not only addresses critical workforce shortages but also reinforces a broader commitment to continuity, quality of care, and the long-term stability of the human services across New York State. During the experience students increase their compassion, understanding and acceptance of people receiving services.
Through its unique partnership with the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, AHRC Nassau and OPWDD, further advanced this vision by supporting the School District in the development of the first standalone DSP curriculum recognized within New York State education. The course meets the profile of a graduate in NYS. This groundbreaking collaboration has been instrumental in preparing students for meaningful career pathways while also supporting their successful graduation outcomes. Together, this partnership exemplifies how education and service providers can align to create scalable, impactful solutions that benefit students, communities, and the future workforce.
DSP Pathways is an innovative high school workforce development program designed to prepare students for meaningful careers as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) while they are still in school. Through a structured blend of classroom instruction, hands-on work-based learning, and nationally recognized credentialing, the program creates a seamless transition from education to employment in the human services field.
For more information, reach out to: dsppathwaysli@ahrc.org