SWAP

 

 

Amy Raya– Coordinator – Valley Wide

 

Lucia Gaspar – Specialist – Valley Wide

 

Mission:

The School to Work Alliance Program is a collaborative initiative between the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the San Luis Valley BOCES.  The SWAP program provides services to youth who:

  • Are 15-24 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.

SWAP Technical Assistance: English (PDF)      Spanish (PDF)

 

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 employment.

 

SWAP would be appropriate for youth who:

  • Are between the ages of 15-24

  • 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 15 years of age
  • Youth identified as having a “most severe” need and requiring 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:

Amy Raya–  Program Coordinator         (W) 719-587-5410 (C) 719-588-5015

Lucia Gaspar–    SWAP Specialist       ( W) 719-587-5429 (C) 719-588-5171