SWAP was recently awarded a grant by the SVVSD Education Foundation to fund transportation for students to explore post-secondary opportunities.
The funding we receive to provide SWAP services does not include transportation costs for students/young adults to attend SWAP activities. Transportation is one of the largest barriers our students/young adults face. The $450 grant we received from the Education Foundation enables SWAP to remove this barrier for students/young adults to explore post-secondary opportunities including: campus tours, vocational training providers, and others.
The purpose of SWAP is to assist young adults with disabilities in making the transition from school to employment. Here’s a look at some of the opportunities that will be available for SWAP students in the coming months. Students should contact their SWAP case manager for additional details about the opportunities below.
December/January
- In collaboration with the Work Based Learning and Community Liaison, SWAP and other special education students from EHS are touring the Recess Factory on 12/12 and the Erie Community Center on 12/15 to learn more about the job opportunities and career pathways connected to these businesses.
- SWAP is also touring and coordinating opportunities at: Emily Griffith Technical College (12/5), Cinco Brothers Barbershop (12/6), Designing Beauty Academy (12/6), Teaching the Autism Community Trades (12/7), Job Corps Presentation (1/17)
- Through the partnership with DVR, SWAP is inviting students to participate in the next round of the Taking Care of Business Class beginning in January. During this 12 week course, students met one time per week for two hours. They learned the skills necessary to apply for, acquire, and maintain success at meaningful employment. Some areas that were covered during the course were Communication and Self-Management, Getting a Job and Work Success.
- SWAP is presenting to other special education professionals at the 2024 Courage to Risk Conference on January 19. The presentation highlights how SWAP has bridged the generation gap through partnerships with students, teachers, DVR, and assisted living facilities.
- In the New Year SWAP will be gearing up for the annual Career Pathways Summit on March 1 hosted at Timberline Church. Students will choose a career pathway and engage in work based learning experiences with employers in their chosen field.