KYTN At Work 

Across the state, Kansas Youth Transition Network (KYTN) pilot programs are showing what's possible when youth, families, schools, and community organizations come together to build strong local transition systems.

Check out examples of the great work KYTN pilot programs are doing.

Student Success through Dodge City's KYTN Summer Program

The Transition Council of Dodge City hosted a KYTN Summer Program that wrapped up with a graduation ceremony on August 29, 2025. Over four weeks, students learned about self-advocacy, goal setting, education options, and career planning. The program helped students build confidence and think about their future after high school. 

One graduate, Victor, had a particularly successful experience in the summer program. With support from Youth Outreach Specialist Lizandra Rodriguez, Victor was able to significantly improve his English and writing skills through the four-week program. Ms. Rodriguez translated lessons into Spanish, gave one-on-one help, and encouraged Victor and his mom to stay involved. 

At graduation, Victor's mom shared how proud and hopeful she felt. She connected with the Center for Independent Living (CIL) after the ceremony to explore more programs they offered. She recognized that the resources the CIL offers would continue to benefit Victor as they continued through his educational journey.

Ms. Rodriguez was invited to speak about Dodge City's KYTN Summer Program at the Southwest Kansas Area Cooperative District (USD 613) and at a Facebook live event for Binational Health Week, hosted in partnership with the Mexican Consulate.

Training Teachers and School Staff at Professional Development Day 

The Youth Transition Alliance of Wyandotte County (YTAWC) worked with Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (USD 500) to provide training for over 200 school staff in May 2025. Teachers and support staff learned more about how to support students with disabilities and the programs and services provided by Independence, Inc. and the YTAWC. 

The YTAWC hosted another SPED Training for USD 500 in August of 2025. YTAWC staff presented 3 breakout sessions, training staff on best practices and approaches to in-class transition training. This training had nearly 100 attendees between the 3 sessions. The session received a lot of positive feedback from attendees. YTAWC gained new transition consumers through referrals from attendees. 

Partnership with the McKinney-Vento Program

The McKinney-Vento Program, within USD 500, serves students in the homeless population. The Youth Transition Alliance of Wyandotte County (YTAWC) is partnering with the program. Through the partnership, two youth in the McKinney-Vento Program have started working with YTAWC. This partnership marks progress in one of the big goals of KYTN: to focus on systems-involved youth, including those who are unhoused. 

Learn more about the McKinney-Vento program by viewing there brochure here

Helping Students Get Ready for Life After High School

At Washington High School, the YTAWC developed a new in-class training curriculum to teach students skills they need to be transition-ready. The training was designed based on teacher feedback, student demographics, and other factors.

The training will start in classrooms this Fall (2025). The team is also working with a curriculum developer to organize the curriculum into a shareable and modifiable package.

Student Podcasts for IEP Meetings 

The YTAWC is working with the CHASE Program to help students create audio recordings, or podcasts, to share at their IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings.

In the podcast, students can talk about their ideas, interests, and concerns in a fun and person-centered way. This collaboration allows students' voices to really be heard. 

Recording a podcast: 

• Increases self-awareness 
• Grows confidence 
• Teaches self-advocacy 
• Develops communication skills 

Contact the YTAWC for more information and to sign up to make a podcast!

Helping Youth in Foster Care 

Youth with disabilities who are also in foster care often face extra challenges. The YTAWC is building meaningful collaborations within the foster care system, reaching this underserved population of students to make sure they get the transition support they need. 

Are you a foster care provider, family of a youth in foster care, or a group home that serves youth in the foster care system in Wyandotte County? Reach out to connect with the team!