Written by: Deb Unruh - DHS Transition Coordinator
Dickinson High School’s transition program has an exciting summer opportunity for students. It is called SWEPT – Summer Work Experience Program 2021. Students who are eligible for the program have an opportunity to participate in several different activities geared toward helping them to be successful in the workplace and in life.
One activity available to students in the program is participation in various workshops. The workshops are designed to help them gain important life skills. Topics for some of the workshops include:
- Filling out applications, writing resumes and cover letters, choosing good references
- Learning interviewing skills, practice through participating in mock interviews
- Improving organizational skills
- People skills, communication, problem-solving
- Budgeting and money management
- Self-awareness, personal responsibility, self-advocacy
- Volunteerism and community involvement
- Working toward greater independence - getting to work, resolving issues that may arise at work, etc.
Another activity students can participate in is career exploration. If they are unsure what career is right for them, they can take career assessments that evaluate their interests. The assessment results outline many things: careers that align with those interests, what type of training or education is required, the future job outlook of the career, average wages, etc. This information can help students narrow down some options and decide on careers they might like to explore further. Students can attend virtual or in person job shadows to see what the job is like firsthand. This helps students gain actual knowledge about whether the career is something they are truly interested in, and whether it would be a good fit for them.
The third activity that the program offers is the opportunity for actual work experience. The SWEPT staff helps students look for and apply for jobs they are interested in. Staff can support the student through the interview process if needed, as well as serve as a job coach to students who need that level of support. Through working, students learn additional skills, as well as gaining experience and confidence in different areas.
To be eligible for the program, students must be enrolled at Dickinson High School for the 2021 – 2022 school year. Incoming freshmen are welcome! Since the program is funded through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), students must be on an IEP or 504 plan. They also need to have a signed release of information form, since VR requests a report of the activities students are participating in.
There is no cost for the program, and incentives are offered to those students who actively participate in the various activities. SWEPT is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain many important skills, not only related to work but to leading a successful life.