About

PRIME (Promoting Retention in Meaningful Employment) is a five-year project focused on helping people with disabilities to stay employed and build meaningful, lasting careers as emphasized in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

By teaming up with universities, employers, state agencies, and community providers across the country, we’re building a better system that supports long-term job success.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, PRIME works with state vocational rehabilitation agencies (SVRAs) to close the gap in long-term job success.

PRIME (Promoting Retention in Meaningful Employment) is a five-year project focused on helping people with disabilities to stay employed and build meaningful, lasting careers as emphasized in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Our Team

Our team includes universities, employers, state agencies, community providers, and people with disabilities across the country. The goal is to build a better system that supports long-term job success.

How We Are Funded

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, PRIME works with state vocational rehabilitation agencies (SVRAs) to close the gap in long-term job success.

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Our Mission

The PRIME (Promoting Retention in Meaningful Employment) Program is on a mission to help people with disabilities not just find jobs — but keep them. 

Did you know?

Did you know? Even after receiving job support through state programs, about 40% of people with disabilities lose their jobs within 12 months. PRIME's goal is to change that — with smarter tools, better training, and human support that sticks.

What to expect from PRIME

Whether you're a job seeker, a service provider, or a VR counselor, here's what the PRIME program will offer:

Personalized pre-employment training to help people plan for job success.

An AI-powered support tool that checks in, offers resources, and alerts staff when someone might need help.

A peer support portal so participants can connect with others navigating the same journey.

One-on-one support from retention specialists for up to a year after job placement.

Who we serve

We will focus on people with disabilities who:

  • Are in the final stages of their vocational rehabilitation plan
  • May be re-entering the workforce
  • Have been involved with the justice system
  • Come from low-income or underrepresented backgrounds

We will also work closely with VR staff to increase their confidence and capacity to support long-term employment.

Voices that matter

PRIME isn’t just built for people with disabilities — it’s built with them. In our first year, we plan to host listening sessions and discussion groups with jobseekers and their families to shape every aspect of the program.

How we're different

Most job programs focus on getting people hired. PRIME focuses on what happens after the hire.

We're here for the long haul, using:

  • AI tools for real-time, personalized support
  • Peer communities to reduce isolation and build confidence
  • Ongoing mentorship from trained retention specialists

Our Approach

PRIME is built on evidence and heart. We use social science frameworks like:

  • Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) — boosting confidence, motivation, and goal-setting
  • Stages of Change — meeting people where they are and supporting growth over time
  • Motivational Interviewing — to tackle ambivalence and increase goal persistence

Our impact goals

We’re aiming for

75% of participants still employed at 6 months

65% still employed at 12 months

55% still with the same employer at 12 months

500+ participants enrolled across multiple states

Coming Soon!

Stay tuned for:

  • The launch of our AI Retention Companion (AIRC)
  • Expansion of our Peer Support Portal
  • Training opportunities for VR staff nationwide
  • Insights and stories from PRIME participants