The Vocational, Introduction, and Preparation (VIP) Academy is an alternative high school program for students fourteen to twenty-two years old (grades 8 through 12+) that are eligible for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services. The Academy is a contracted school site with the Manatee County School Board, and accepts McKay, Gardner, and Step Up for Students scholarships. VIP focuses on transitioning students to life after high school through life-skills, employment, community and post-secondary instruction. Students gain confidence, attain maximum levels of independence, and develop pre-vocational and vocational skills while participating in a community based instructional program.