Goodwill of Southern Nevada held a special celebration for the graduates of their Student Work Experience Program (SWEP) on Tuesday, April 29 at the East Las Vegas Community Center.
The Student Work Experience Program was created in 1996 and offers special education teachers, their aides, and entire class he opportunity to gain real work experience by volunteering through the program. The program helps prepare students as they transition out of high school into the rest of their lives, volunteering at least once a week at a Goodwill store, performing tasks such as pulling hangers, greeting customers, processing and sorting merchandise, etc.
This school year, 381 students from 59 classes at 28 Clark County School District high schools participated in the program, as well as 16 students from two classes in Pahrump Valley High School, which is part of the Nye County School District.
“The goal of Goodwill’s Disability Programs is to provide meaningful opportunities to people with different abilities so they can experience the dignity of work, a sense of purpose, and a fully inclusive culture,” said Goodwill of Southern Nevada president and CEO Rick Neal. “SWEP is one of five carefully designed programs that not only support participants, but also their caregivers, who benefit from “alone time” to recharge.”
Teachers interested in having their classes participate in SWEP are invited to contact Mary Brabant at 702-214-2010 or MaryB@sngoodwill.org.
Learn more about Goodwill Disability Programs at GoodwillVegas.org.
