Summer Work Programs
Description
UCP Heartland offers two exciting Summer Work Experience Programs designed for high school students with disabilities who want to explore real-world job opportunities before graduation. These programs give students a chance to gain hands-on, paid work experience in a competitive, integrated employment setting.
Over the course of 6–8 weeks, students learn important workplace skills like following rules, asking questions, and communicating effectively. With on-site job coaching and soft skills training, each student receives the support they need to grow in confidence and independence.
It’s more than just a summer job—it’s a chance for your loved one to build a strong foundation for the future. Read on to learn more about the requirements for each program.
Program Goal and Highlights
UCP Heartland is committed to providing summer employment for people with disabilities, to equip them with valuable work experience and skills for successful future employment.
Our dedicated team excels at empowering your student with the abilities and training they will need after graduation to become confident and competent employees in their community. We guide and support them every step of the way throughout each of our summer work programs.
Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP)
- Our SWEP program is an 8 week/20 hours per week work program.
- Your student must be willing to commit to the entire work program: no vacation, summer school, etc.
- Funding is provided by SB40, in partnership with lead agency Mers Goodwill.
- Your student must be between the ages of 16 and 20 and returning to school in the fall.
- Participants must provide their own transportation to and from work.
- Participating students must be a resident of St. Louis County.
Vocational Rehabilitation Summer Work Experience (SWE)
- Our SWE program is a 6 week/20 hours per week work program.
- Your student must be willing to commit to the entire work program: no vacation, summer school, etc.
- Your student must be between the ages of 16 and 20 and returning to school in the fall.
- Participants must provide their own transportation to and from work.
How to Get Started
Want to learn more about how your student can take the next step towards summer employment for people with disabilities? We’re here to help! Contact us today with any questions about our summer work programs and find out how to register your student.
Our Locations
Returning to work after a brain injury is a powerful step forward—and we’re here to help make it possible. Through our partnership with Vocational Rehabilitation, we offer a specialized service that assists our clients in returning to and rebuilding their careers after a brain injury.