A diverse group of TTW students in Halloween costumes.

Tools for Transition & Work

Interested in applying for the 2026-2027 academic year?

Application materials were first sent out on March 1, 2026 and will continue to be sent on a rolling basis to new interested students until the application deadline. Applications are due April 30, 2026, and interviews will be held during the first half of May.

Join the interest list

Build the skills. Make the leap. Own your future.

Tools for Transition & Work, or TTW, is a one-year, full-time college program for neurodivergent young adults who are ready to take the next step toward greater independence.

TTW helps students build the academic, social, practical, and career skills needed for adult life. Whether the goal is college, employment, a residential transition program, or simply becoming more independent, TTW gives students the structure, support, and real-world experience to move forward with confidence.

Students in TTW now graduate with a state-approved Certificate of Achievement in Independence and Career Readiness.

You do not need to be perfect. You just need to be ready to grow.

What Makes TTW Different?

A real college experience, with support

TTW students are Foothill students. They take classes on campus, engage with college life, and build friendships while receiving the support and structure they need to succeed.

Real-world skills, not just theory

TTW focuses on practical growth. Students build skills in communication, technology, self-advocacy, emotional regulation, job readiness, and independent living. They also gain hands-on experience through internships and campus-based learning.

A program built around independence

The goal of TTW is not to keep students comfortable forever. The goal is to help students grow into adulthood with greater confidence, stronger habits, and a clearer sense of what comes next.

What is TTW?

TTW is an intensive, cohort-based, one-year program at Foothill College for neurodivergent students. Through a structured sequence of classes and experiences, students develop the tools they need to succeed in college, at work, and in adult life.

TTW students:

Experience college life at Foothill
Prepare for a future in college, career training, or employment
Develop practical job and life skills
Strengthen communication and social skills
Build a clearer plan for adulthood

Who Should Apply?

TTW is designed for students who:

Can get to and navigate campus independently
Are willing to participate, put in effort, and engage in class
Want to take healthy risks, grow, and challenge themselves
Are ready to work on the skills needed for greater independence

Students do not need perfect grades or polished social skills. What matters most is a willingness to learn, improve, and keep moving forward.

What Will Students Learn?

Students in TTW build skills in areas such as:
Public transportation and campus navigation
Resumes, job applications, and interviews
Professional use of digital tools
Communication, teamwork, and self-advocacy
Confidence, boundaries, and healthy relationships
Planning for college, work, and adult life

TTW at a Glance

Summer

Students begin part-time over Zoom, easing into the program and building early connections.

Fall through Spring

Students attend full-time in person at Foothill, typically enrolling in 12 or more units per quarter.

Internships and applied learning

Students gain campus-based work experience and practice using their skills in real settings.

Cohort model

Students move through the program together, growing alongside peers on a similar path.

What Comes Next After TTW?

TTW helps students build a realistic plan for what comes next and develop the skills to pursue it. During the year, students work with instructors and their support network to identify a path that fits their strengths, goals, and level of readiness.

Two- or four-year college

Some students continue into regular college coursework, either at Foothill or beyond. TTW helps make that first independent step into college stronger and more manageable.

Career and employment

Some students move toward employment, career training, apprenticeships, or certificate pathways. TTW helps students build the workplace habits, communication skills, and self-management needed to succeed.

Residential transition programs

Some students use TTW as a bridge between high school and a residential program. It can serve as a focused year of growth before taking the next step toward more independent living.

Application Process

The first step is to schedule a tour and learn more about whether TTW is the right fit.

Students who seem like a strong fit for the program will then move through the application and interview process with their supporters.

Schedule a Tour

Visiting Campus? Here's How to Find Us!

We recommend parking in Lot 6, the closest visitor lot to the TTW classrooms and the Disability Resource Center.

Foothill’s campus is beautiful, but it can also be a bit of a scavenger hunt the first time through. To make things easier, we created a short video showing how to follow the campus ring road and find the right lot.

How to Find Lot 6 at Foothill College

Whether you are visiting for a tour, an interview, or just stopping by, this video should help you get here without the usual “wait, where am I?” moment. Once you park, the TTW classroom is just a short walk away in Room 5419.