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School-to-Work Transition Program

The School-to-Work Transition Program (STWTP) has a history of more than thirty years in Milwaukee Public Schools. Its mission is to provide a continuum of transition services to MPS students to develop their skills and help them achieve their highest level of independence.

The vision of STWTP is to provide social and vocational opportunities in real-world settings. STWTP focuses on abilities and on promoting and supporting the highest capacities of our students in their personal and professional development. STWTP assists and supports students with their goals as they journey toward responsible citizenry.

The program is supported by a multidisciplinary team of professionals — special education teachers who are connected to the Community Assessment and Training Program, employment training specialists, paraprofessionals, a children's health assistant, and a school social worker — to meet the myriad vocational, academic, and social and emotional needs of students. STWTP has partnerships with over twenty businesses and organizations in the city through the following programs.

The School-to-Work Transition Program is divided into several distinct sections:

CATP — Community Assessment and Training Program

Students earn credits while working in the Milwaukee community. They learn vocational skills and receive specialized instruction to meet their individual needs and goals, which are aligned to their individualized education program (IEP) and transition plan.

OJE — On-the-Job Experience

Students who have demonstrated being almost ready for competitive employment learn essential skills required for employment and receive the opportunity to practice and demonstrate these skills in a work environment with the support of a professional affiliated with STWTP. Students earn credit toward diploma requirements.

OJT — On-the-Job Training

Students who have achieved a level of independence and consistently demonstrate their employability skills but still require some additional training can work to earn credits toward graduation while getting paid from STWTP.

ETP — Employment Training Program

This program provides an additional layer of service to students who are in their last year of high school and who have developed skills needed for employment. Employment training specialists provide additional instruction and support, and they create opportunities for students to link with businesses so that students can become employed.

Project SEARCH

Through a partnership among STWTP, Goodwill Industries, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Milwaukee County, students have the opportunity to participate in Project SEARCH International. This unique, business-led school-to-work program takes place over a full school year entirely at the workplace: Mitchell International Airport. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through work site rotations for students who are in the last year of high school and who have developed skills needed for employment.

FAQs for Parents

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  1. What are the attendance expectations for the student?

Students should attend every day just as they would attend any other class. If the student is unable to attend, they are expected to contact the site teacher to practice calling-in procedures. For each site, students receive directions on how to do this.

  2. If school is closed, is the work site also closed?

Yes. If the student's MPS school building is reported as closed, the student is not to report to the work site.

  3. Who provides transportation to the site?

Transportation to and from a CATP placement is arranged and provided by MPS.

Students in the OJT (paid) program are expected to arrange their own transportation.

Students in the OJE program are provided with city bus tickets.

  4. Is there a policy about uniforms?

Each work site has a different uniform policy. Please contact the assigned site teacher for details.

  5. Will the student be paid?

CATP and OJE students receive school credits for their participation.

OJT students do receive a paycheck and school credits.

  6. Can parents visit the work site?

Rules and policies differ from work site to work site. Please contact the assigned site teacher for details.

  7. Are there background checks?

Depending on the work site and type of job that the student is assigned, a background check might be required. This information will be forwarded to guardians once placement has been made.

  8. What kind of support is there for the student's emotional and social well-being while participating in STWTP?

MPS has a school social worker specifically assigned to STWTP who is able to work with students as needed. Contact the assigned site teacher for referral information.

  9. What happens after a student completes CATP?

Students have a variety of options after CATP.

They can apply for DVR if they have not done so already.

Students also can apply for OJE or OJT, they can pursue an internship or youth apprenticeship through the MPS Career and Technical Education office, or they can work with an employment training specialist to seek competitive employment.

  10. What is DVR?

DVR is the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. The program works with individuals with disabilities who face a substantial barrier to employment. DVR provides employment services and counseling to people with disabilities, provides or arranges for services to enable an individual to go to work, and provides training and technical assistance to employers regarding disability employment issues.

  11. When should the student consider applying for DVR?

DVR application varies for each individual student. Speaking with the IEP team or the school's transition coordinator may be a good place to start.

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