SWAP - School To Work Alliance
Theresa Naranjo - Coordinator - Valley Wide
Estevan Lujan - Valley Wide
Mission:
The School to Work Alliance Program is a collaborative iniative between the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the San Luis Valley BOCES. The SWAP program provides services to youth who:
- Are 17-25 years of age
- Have mild to moderate needs in employment
- Are eligible for DVR services
- Need short term support to become competitively employed and to achieve successful community outcomes.
Purpose of SWAP:
The purpose of SWAP is to provide successful employment outcomes, increased community linkages, and new patterns of service for youth with a barrier to employment. The SWAP program serves the 14 school districts of the San Luis Valley.
Typical SWAP services include:
- Job readiness skills training
- Vocational Guidance & Counseling
- Job Development
- On-the-job training
- Job shadowing
- Job Placement
- Job retention skills training
- Case management
- Follow along services
- To increase career directed employment opportunities. To involve businesses in our local communities in a partnership with SWAP to narrow the gap between what skills individuals have and what skills individuals need to obtain and secure successful employment. To involve individuals in their communities in a constructive and meaningful way, to enable them to build networks and skills necessary for continued successful employement.
SWAP would be appropriate for youth who:
- Are between the ages of 17-25
- Are high school seniors ready to exit the school system and ready for full or part time employment
- Are out of school
- Have a mild - moderate disability
- Need short term support to become competitively employed
SWAP would not be appropriate for:
- Youth who are not at least 16 years of age
- Youth identified as having a "most severe" need and requireing long term support employment services to become competitively employed.
- Youth with on-going legal problems that make placement in a work setting difficult.
- Youth who require long term-extensive training in a 2 or 4 year college programs.
Referrals:
Referrals can be made from the schools through the IEP or 504 process, through a DVR counselor or directly to a SWAP office.
To make a referral, contact the SWAP staff located in the Alamosa office.
For more information you may contact:
Theresa Naranjo - Program Coordinator 719-589-3676
Estevan J. Lujan - SWAP Specialist 719-589-3916
Fax: 719-589-3252
