History

The Journey of the Adult Transition Program

The Adult Transition Program has grown into one of the most impactful and dynamic parts for students with disabilities in Walled Lake Schools—and it all began with a bold step in 2002.

That year, the Transition Program officially moved from Walled Lake Central High School to the Community Education Center (CEC). At the time, the program served students ages 14–26. Under the leadership of Janie Main, a certified Transition Coordinator, the program evolved to specifically serve young adults ages 18–26. This marked the beginning of a truly authentic transition experience.

At CEC, students didn’t just learn in classrooms—they engaged in real-world, hands-on learning through micro-businesses. One of the first student-run ventures was an on-site store, where students gained essential life and vocational skills by stocking shelves, managing inventory, counting money, and providing customer service. Their customers? Staff and students from Community High School, right inside the same building. The result was a learning environment rich in both skill-building and social connection.

Over the years, the Transition Program expanded its micro-business model, giving students more opportunities to practice independence and workplace readiness. Whether running pop-up snack carts, creating crafts for sale, or managing internal deliveries, students learned responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving—all within the supportive setting of the CEC.

Even as other programs at the CEC changed or closed—including the closure of Community High School in 2009—the Transition Program remained a cornerstone of the building. By 2017, more than 95 young adults had taken part in the Transition Program at CEC.

But the journey didn’t stop there.

In 2017, the CEC closed its doors, and the Adult Transition Program found a new home at Walled Lake Western High School (WLW). The move brought a new era of growth and innovation. What began as a three-class program has now expanded to seven classrooms across a three-tiered model—serving more students than ever and offering a wider range of learning pathways.

Today, in 2025, the Adult Transition Program continues to thrive—empowering young adults with disabilities to build the skills, confidence, and independence they need to successfully transition into adult life. From vocational training to life skills, community involvement to workplace experiences, the program remains committed to meeting students where they are and helping them reach their full potential.