Currently, Pitt County Schools requires the successful completion of 28 units of credit or 87.5% of total possible credits in order for a student with disabilities to receive a diploma through the Occupational Course of Study. Among graduation credit requirements is the completion of 150 hours of school-based training, 225 hours of community-based training, and 225 hours of paid employment. If necessary, the student could remain in school for additional semesters to complete all requirements, including the required training hours and paid employment hours, until the age of 22.

Community-based training hours will be completed during the school day, while paid employment may be completed at anytime while the student is enrolled in high school. Community- based training opportunities begin during a student’s second year in high school and are provided once the eligibility criteria have been met. Students who have obtained competitive employment are required to provide Occupational Course of Study staff with actual paycheck stubs for documentation toward the paid employment hours.

Students enrolled in the Occupational Course of Study are provided with a program designed to prepare them to live, work, play and continue to learn successfully in the community following high school graduation. Students also have the opportunity to take Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses that provide on-campus and off- campus vocational training. These classes are modified to meet the student’s unique educational needs.