Student Work Experience Program (SWE) provides students an in-depth view of the world of work, identify specific occupational skills, and ease the transition from school to the world of work. SWE includes work experiences during the school day as well as after school. A senior or transition-age student can participate in the SWE program during the school day. Students over the age of 16 can apply to work after school or on weekends.

Principals work with students to develop a schedule that allows for participation in SWE which requires parent or guardian consent form. Students receive class credit for class periods worked, typically 2 or 3. Quarterly evaluations by the coordinator and employer determine class grades. The SWE Coordinator arranges an interview at a local business based on the student’s schedule, job interest and skill set. If the student is hired by the business, a job coach is sent with the student for a training period. The job coach assists the student with communication and learning the job responsibilities until the student can work independently. Seniors are transported by a school driver, while transition-aged students utilize Jacksonville’s West Central Mass Transit bus system for transportation to and from their place of employment.

Students 16 years of age and over can apply for a job through the School to Work (STW) program, requiring parent/guardian consent. Residential students can work after school Monday – Thursday. Jacksonville area students can work Sunday-Saturday. A student completes an application and documents specific job interests. The STW Coordinator collects references from dorm and school staff to verify the applicant’s work ethic, dependability, maturity, and responsibility, and then arranges interviews with area businesses that matches the applicant’s interest and availability. The business determines whether to offer the student employment and the student determines whether to accept the job offer. The STW Coordinator works with the businesses and students to set up weekly work schedules. A job coach is sent with the student for a training period and assists the student with communication and learning job responsibilities until the student can work independently. Students are transported to and from their place of employment daily by a STW driver. The students are evaluated quarterly by their employer and this evaluation is used as a motivational tool to improve work skills and work performance.