LPTE aims to help youth with developmental disabilities seamlessly transition from school to jobs in their communities. LPTE is a 5-year project and partnership between:

• Lawrence Public Schools
• Massachusetts state disabilities agencies
• community organizations
• advocacy groups
• youth with developmental disabilities and their family members

Together, we work across existing local programs and services to support youth with disabilities in Lawrence. We support youth to find and keep jobs, graduate from postsecondary education programs, and live and participate fully in their communities.

LPTE aims to keep power in the hands of community members by following the six principles of Collaborating for Equity and Justice:

1. Directly address and discuss race, ethnicity, and social class
2. Share power across the community so everyone can decide what's important to work on together
3. Build leadership and power among community members
4. Change whole systems, not just local programs
5. Look to research on what works
6. Support the group members to lead the work