PolicyWorks’ role in the Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center (WINTAC) is to promote the use of Peer Mentoring and to work with states to pilot peer mentoring programs to support self-advocacy and other pre- employment transition services supported by WIOA. Currently there are three operating state pilots. Florida, Alaska and Mississippi have championed the program. Additionally, 11 states are considering developing peer mentoring programs in their states. These states include: Washington, Oklahoma, Michigan, Maine, Missouri, Arkansas, Maryland, Iowa, Virginia, Nebraska and Wisconsin.
PolicyWorks assists states in designing their state program, provides customized training materials for coordinators, mentors and mentee and is developing a national community of practice for states using peer mentoring as a strategy to support youth with disabilities in their effort to become independent through employment.