Workability IV is a program that provides students with physical and mental disabilities with pre-employment skills training such as resume development, cover letter writing and soft skills development to help them land and retain a job.

The program was established in 1992 and partners with other departments on campus such as the Career Development Center, Services for Students with Disabilities, Kremen School of Education and Human Development, Student Counseling Center and the California Department of Rehabilitation. Workability IV is on eight campuses across the California State University and University of California systems.

Erica Ananian-Eastes, a two-time Fresno State alumnus, is the executive director of Workability IV. Alongside her are two employees: Kathleen Belden, internship coordinator, and Sherrill Poland, employment specialist. The program also has 14 certified staff members who volunteer their time and expertise to help students.

“As a result of our certified staff volunteers, hundreds of students with disabilities have received assistance through Workability IV,” said Ananian-Eastes. “It takes a whole community of talented professionals to pour into these amazing students and alumni. We are extremely grateful for their contribution.”

The certified staff provide many of the 65 students who are currently in the program with career advice, counseling, job searching, interview practice, business etiquette, and learning the pros and cons of disability disclosure. Students can participate in the program for a few months or for a few years.

Ananian-Eastes, who previously served as an employment specialist, has seen every side of the program. “It’s wonderful to see results in the students finding employment,” she said.

Dr. Michael Mahoney, assistant professor of Literacy, Early, Bilingual and Special Education in the Kremen School of Education and Human Development has served as a certified staff member since fall 2020 and follows up with students for about two to three hours each semester.

“Workability IV provides a sense of community here at Fresno State that allows me to learn along with fellow Bulldogs outside of the traditional classroom setting,” Mahoney said.

“What I enjoy most is ongoing collaboration and being able to learn from the amazing consumers and staff,” he said.” Workability IV develops a sense of belonging for everyone and provides the opportunities for consumers, staff and volunteers to learn together as a community.”

Ananian-Eastes wants to thank and recognize the following certified staff members for their help with the program:

• Dr. Michael Mahoney, professor of Literacy, Early, Bilingual and Special Education, Kremen School of Education and Human Development
• Dr. Trang Phan, professor of Curriculum and Instruction, Kremen School
• Dr. Rebecca Raya-Fernadez, Student Health and Counseling
• Jody Burum, Career Development Center
• Nora Diaz, Career Development Center
• Damian Lay, Career Development Center
• Dr. Adrian Ramirez, Career Development Center
• J. Daniel Gomez Martinez, Career Development Center
• Belen Vera, Services for Students with Disabilities
• Rodrigo Gomez, Services for Students with Disabilities
• Jeanette Johnson, Services for Students with Disabilities
• April Cardiel, Department of Counselor Education and Rehabilitation, Kremen School
• Sheila Gallagher-Price, Career Development Center
• Mary Willis, Career Development Center

For more information or to become a certified staff member, contact Ananian-Eastes at eananian@csufresno.edu.