School2Work

School2Work is a collaborative career development initiative, offering an array of hands-on experiences, that prepares area high school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities for successful transitions to the competitive workplace.

School2Work:

Addresses the disconnect between supports students have received in school and “adult services.”
Students prepare for careers that are sustainable and serve the real needs of employers.
Gives transitioning high school students the foundation, comprehensive tools and opportunities to seek and attain employment.
Meets the growing needs of Vermont employers for skilled workers.
Offers valuable internship opportunities to local college students.

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 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.

Community Investment in School2Work

School2Work won $10,000 in the statewide “Build a Stronger Vermont” competition, coordinated by KeyBank, in 2013 that enabled the program to launch. Voters from around Vermont caught the excitement of the new initiative, and we have continued to earn support.

The project is funded by program fees from participating schools or individuals, and we’ve also received funds in part from The Gibney Family Foundation, United Way of Northwest Vermont, KeyBank Foundation, and Peoples United Community Foundation.

School2Work operations are also greatly enhanced by an ongoing partnership with the University of Vermont that brings UVM students to CCS for an academic year internship experience.