School2Work is a unique and collaborative career development initiative that prepares Chittenden County high school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities for successful transitions to – and employment in – the competitive workplace.
School2Work addresses the disconnect between supports students have received in school and “adult services.” And it does so by preparing students for careers that are sustainable and serve the real needs of employers.
School2Work is coordinated through our nationally-recognized Way2Work supported employment program, in partnership with local high schools and area employers. School2Work staff engages students, typically during junior year, and works to develop individualized school-to-work transition to employment plans that considers:
- individual student career interests and skills
- how to best incorporate career development directly into each student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP)
- the needs of employers for skilled workers
The Bridge Consortium
School2Work is being developed and enhanced as a working model with five area high schools. School partners are represented through The Bridge Consortium, a working group including special education directors at:
- Burlington H.S
- Colchester H.S.
- Mt. Mansfield Union H.S.
- South Burlington H.S.
- Winooski H.S.
School2Work benefits:
- Students, who gain: an individualized transition plan that includes job readiness training to be part of the competitive workforce; work experience in “industries of choice,” and the social capital and quality of life built through sustainable employment;
- Families, who learn about adult services and gain their own transition plan and support structure;
- Schools, who can fully concentrate on their primary role – to educate the next generation;
- Employers, who work both inform CCS about, and – in some cases – help design training for, the skills needed for the next generation’s workforce, and who benefit from a previously untapped. but eager and skilled workforce;
- Our community, which benefits whenever all its resources are recognized, valued, and energized to contribute.
For more information, contact:
Michelle Paya
Director of Supported Employment
(802) 655- 0511 x116